Info

What makes a plant native?



When we talk about plants, the term "native" carries a lot of weight. But what exactly does it mean for a plant to be native? Understanding this concept is crucial, not just for aquatic plant enthusiasts but for anyone interested in preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance.


Defining a Native Plant:

A native plant is one that has naturally evolved and adapted to a specific region over thousands of years. These plants are indigenous to the area and have established themselves without human intervention. Their long history in a particular environment means they have developed unique relationships with the local soil, climate, insects, animals, and other plants.


The Complexity of 'Native':

While this seems like a straightforward question, the answer is actually not a simple one. Determining whether a plant is native can be contentious, especially in Australia, where different states sometimes disagree on which species are truly native. For instance, in New South Wales (NSW), the species Hydrocharis dubia is considered vulnerable, with Conservation Advice in place to protect it. However, the Queensland government regards all populations of Hydrocharis dubia in Australia as invasive and of recent origin. Hydrocharis dubia however, lacks evidence supporting its status as a native species and is most likely an introduced species (read more here about this, and about testing plants for their origin status).

Perhaps the best example of this disagreement is the case of Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes). States and territories in Australia have very strong, conflicting opinions on the status of this species. This species is prohibited in Queensland and NSW, but unrestricted in the Northern Territory, South Australia, and Victoria. South Australia claims that "recent research has confirmed that water lettuce is a native to Northern Australia". NSW justifies its prohibition by stating that Pistia stratiotes is not naturally endemic to the state, yet also acknowledges that "evidence indicates that Pistia stratiotes is native to the Northern Territory and possibly northern Queensland".

Queensland, on the other hand, remains uncertain, stating that "the origin of water lettuce remains unclear and was introduced". Despite this, many experts believe that Pistia stratiotes is likely a native species to Australia, naturally found throughout the waterways and floodplains of the Northern Territory and Queensland. This belief is supported by the presence of multiple endemic predators that feed exclusively on Pistia stratiotes. The situation becomes concerning when a potentially native species is targeted for eradication in one state while being regarded as an important environmental asset in another, yet considered native to both.

In the Northern Territory, this plant has an important ecological role, initiating the formation of floating grass mats, which serve as crucial wildlife habitats, including nesting places for the saltwater crocodile. Meanwhile, Queensland's description of the plant highlights its potential negative impact: "It creates a dense cover on the water surface that prevents light penetration and exchange of gases. This leads to a drop in oxygen levels, which is detrimental to the aquatic ecosystem". These differing perspectives highlight how the same plant can be viewed very differently depending on whether it is considered native or invasive.


Regional Adaptation:

One of the key characteristics of native plants is their adaptation to the specific conditions of their region. This includes factors like temperature ranges, rainfall patterns, and soil types. For example, an aquatic plant native to a tropical region will thrive in warm, humid conditions but might struggle in cooler, drier environments. This regional specialisation helps maintain the balance of local ecosystems, as each plant fills a particular niche.


The Impact of Non-Native Species:

When non-native plants are introduced to an area, they can disrupt the local ecosystem. These plants may lack natural predators in their new environment, allowing them to spread unchecked and outcompete native species. This can lead to a decline in native plant populations, which in turn affects the wildlife that depends on them. In aquatic environments the main way non-native plants will damage the environment and ecosystem is through unchecked and uncontrolled growth. While many aquatic plant species do undertake seasonal boom and bust cycles in the wild, these are almost always seasonal and give other native species their time to complete their lifecycles. When exotic species are introduced to a new environment, they compete with native species for the same resources, and occasionally have unchecked and rapid growth due to a lack of natural predators. A good example of this is the Water Hyacinth, Pontederia crassipes.


Why Native Plants Matter in Ponds and Aquariums:

For aquariums and especially outdoor ponds, choosing native aquatic plants can have a profound impact. The appropriate native aquatic plants are more likely to thrive in your pond because they are adapted to the water chemistry and climate of your region. Australian species are generally more temperate than most of the tropical aquatic plant species found in the hobby. Whether you’re planting in your garden or designing an aquarium, choosing native plants is a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice that contributes to the well-being of your local ecosystem. Remember, as always, never to release any plants or animals into the environment.

Contact Us


Browse our range

From Alternanthera to Wolffia;
we provide a wide selection of live aquatic plants.

  • Healthy plants

  • Fast delivery

  • Cheap prices