Australian Native Aquatics
There is often a belief amongst gardeners that their local flora generally consists of weeds, or at least less desirable plants. The reality is that it is usually equally, if not more important than the exotic introduced species that we grow and enjoy. In Australia there is a unique and fascinating flora which with the possible exception of South Africa and the rain forests of central Africa and South America, is unsurpassed in its diversity and horticultural merit.
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 Australia has a unique and fascinating native aquatic flora.
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 Knowledge of the Australia aquatic flora is relatively undeveloped. Is this a new waterlily species?
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While much is known of the aquatic flora of Australia, knowledge is relatively undeveloped compared with that of Europe and North America. Certainly little is understood of the cultivation of the rich diversity of native aquatic plants and the potential that they offer for the development of new horticulturally valuable selections and hybrids. The conservation of native aquatic plants and the threats posed by alien species are also areas of interest to the water gardener.
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| In the latter case an awareness of the devastation that can be caused to freshwater bodies by alien plant invasions can be propagated amongst water gardeners for the benefit of the general public. Native plant displacement by exotics is one of the greatest threats to our ecological systems. Much can be done to help the situation by having a much better knowledge of our native flora.
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 Native plants can be rapidly replaced by aliens like the Water Hyacinth if great care is not taken.
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 It is important that less showy native aquatics like Marsilea are grown by gardeners.
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While alien plant threats are well recognised, the poor understanding of our native aquatic flora, especially from a management point of view, is hampering progress in its protection and wider use. The water gardens of Australia are perfect places for discovering more about the fads and fancies of native water plants. However, encouragement is needed to get gardeners to grow native species, especially the less showy kinds, either as complementary to, or instead of, relatively sterile cultivars. This also assists the survival of local wildlife.
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The garden pond is home to myriad aquatics insects, and a place appreciated by many amphibians, small mammals and birds, the latter finding them useful oases and refuelling stations as they travel the country. Native aquatic plants are vitally important, and although the presentations featured here will not always have a bearing upon the garden pond, they are certainly within the embrace of aquatic plant knowledge and culture.
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 The garden pond is home to many insects and is an important aquatic resource.
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