The New Zealand Plant Conservation Network

Species

Menyanthes trifoliata

Common Name(s)

bogbean

Authority

Menyanthes trifoliata Tournef.

Family

Menyanthaceae

Brief Description

As the common name indicates the plant looks superficially similar to a broad bean, with three lobed leaves held above shallow water by long, fleshy stalks. In summer spikes of white (pinkish) flowers occur above the water

Flora Category

Vascular - Exotic

Structural Class

Dicotyledonous Herbs other than Composites

Distribution

Nationally eradicated, only known from two sites, Racecourse Hill near Darfield, Canterbury and Queenstown, Otago.

Habitat

Only found in an ornamental pond and irrigation race in New Zealand, found in nutrient poor waters in native range.

Features

Sprawling emergent perennial herb. Leaves of three leaflets (like the leaves of broad bean) at the end of stems. Leaflets are elliptical to obovate, 3-10 cm long, 1-5 cm wide, entire or sometimes coarsely toothed. Leaves are all basal, with the petiole bases arranged alternately on the creeping stem. Flowers have five petals, pinkish-white in colour, with long white hairs on the top surface. Flowers are about 2.5 cm across. The seed capsule contains shiny yellow-brown buoyant seeds.

Similar Taxa

None.

Flowering

October - April

Flower Colours

Red / Pink,White

Fruiting

Autumn

Year Naturalised

1976

Origin

Native to temperate Northern Hemisphere.

Reason for Introduction

Ornamental pond plant

Control Techniques

Notify the relevant regional council if found

Life Cycle and Dispersal

Spreads by seeds, stem extension, and fragmentation, Can establish rapidly from stem fragments. Seeds have not been seen in the field in New Zealand.

This page last updated on 21 Aug 2013