BioStudies Exotic Species Identification Guide

Giant hygrophila (H. corymbosa) has been introduced in Texas waters; some consider it native elsewhere in the U.S. Shrubby growth habit, clusters of purple flowers, and leaf stems easily distinguish it from Indian hygrophila. The specimen shown right is dried and pressed. A number of other exotic hygrophila species sold in the aquarium trade are not legally restricted. However, the Texas Fish Farming Act of 1989 (SB 1507) makes release into state waters a violation without an appropriate permit.

INDIAN HYGROPHILA (Hygrophila polysperma)

Family: Acanthaceae
Indian Hygrophila Hygrophila polysperma

LEGAL RESTRICTIONS: Indian hygrophila or Miramar weed has been prohibited by USDA and was more-recently added to the list of harmful exotic plants banned by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Rapid growth rates that produced dense beds and displaced native aquatic plants in conjunction with invasions into new waters and extensive availability in the aquarium trade prompted regulation of this species. Other exotic hygrophila remain unrestricted in Texas.

Robert G. Howells BioStudies

160 Bearskin Trail, Kerrville, Texas 78028 biostudies@hctc.net May 2009
Images and materials herein are not available for reuse or other applications without written permission of the author.

Among the 60-100 species of Hygrophila, one is native to Texas, two others have been introduced, and others are sold in the aquarium trade. Indian hygrophila (H. polysperma) escaped culture in Florida in 1965. It was documented in the San Marcos River, Texas, in 1994, but with herbarium records 25 years earlier. It is extremely invasive and is expanding to other waters. It is also called East Indiana hygrophila, Miramar weed, and Indian swamp weed. It grows both emergent and below the surface in still or flowing waters and tolerates wide ranges in pH and hardness (hence its popularity in aquarium culture). Branching stems can reach 10 (3 m) in length; leaves are green (occasionally with a brownish tint), elliptical, opposite, to 1.5 (40 mm) long and 0.5 (13 mm), sparsely hairy, having short stalks above the water line or without stalks below; stems squarish to round in cross-section. Flowers are bluish-white, somewhat tubular, with two lips, 0.4 (10 mm) long, and placed on upper stems. It forms dense beds to depths of at least 10. Indian hygrophila reproduces by fragmentation (roots from nodes, possibly leaves) and seed.

Several water primroses called seedboxes (Ludwigia spp.; right) have aerial green leaves, but also produce yellow flowers.

Native lake hygrophila or acanthus (H. lacustris, above) has longer, more narrow leaves that usually cover the entire stem and are emergent. Indian hygrophila (left) has leaves that are more elliptical.

OTHER SIMILAR SPECIES: Several native and exotic water primrose species (Ludwigia spp.; below) have leaves that may be dark green above and red below (more red or purple pigment than Indian hygrophila), elliptical or spatulate but shorter and more blunttipped. Water primroses produce larger flowers with 4-5 petals (though some drop petals soon after opening and a few lack petals).

Bacopa (Bacopa spp.; above and right) leaves may be nearly round or elliptical, but are smaller and fleshy. Water willow (Justicia spp.; below left) has larger purple and white flowers. Alligatorweed (Alternanthera philoxeroides; below right) has larger, white flowers, without petals.