WTB: Hygrophila polysperma "Sunset"/ "Rosanervig" - For Sale or Trade

Darksome · 11-20-2020, 01:18 PM

Looking for Hygrophila polysperma "Sunset"/ "Rosanervig". If anyone has some, please DM me.

Thank you

Michael · 11-20-2020, 01:39 PM

Unfortunately this species is on the federal noxious plant list. Interstate sale or transport is prohibited. Different states have different regulations about possession, transport, and sale within state boundaries. You will need to check New Jersey regulations to find out if it is legal at all in your state.

This is a bizarre situation. In Texas the plant is legal even though it is listed as an invasive exotic. It has escaped cultivation and colonized several river systems in Central Texas.

Seattle_Aquarist · 11-20-2020, 02:59 PM

Hi @Michael,

I believe that Federal Regulations supersede State Regulations. The USDA has deemed the plant a Noxious Weed and as such it is illegal to possess, transport, trade, ship, etc within the United States.

That is why Florida Aquatic Nursery (where it was developed) stopped selling and shipping it years ago. -Roy

**davemonkey** · 11-20-2020, 03:19 PM

If you are eager to travel, you can take a trip to San Marcos and scavenge the first couple miles of the river from the mouth of the natural spring. With a constant year-round temp of 72, if there's a noxious species in Texas rivers, it's bound to be in there (unless TCEQ eradicated it already, like they did the Crypts that had escaped in there).

Michael · 11-20-2020, 06:59 PM

Roy, in this case federal regulations control what occurs across state lines but not within a state. Each individual state controls possession, transport, and sale inside its borders.

A number of years ago Texas was considering some truly draconian regulations on aquatic plants. DFW APC had a number of conversations with Texas Parks and Wildlife about the issue. In the end, nothing changed because the proposed regulations were a real over-reach. It is a pity because we really need stronger regulations, but not to the extent that criminalizes every gardener who has a Mexican petunia in his/her landscape.

So Hygrophila is still legal within the state of Texas, but if I were to send some to a friend in Louisiana I would be guilty of a federal offense. This is why all the aquarium plant nurseries and wholesalers stopped growing it.

tiger15 · 11-21-2020, 06:41 AM

No wonder I don’t see it on sale by mail order nurseries. I got mine from auction. Is it legal to sell within state.

It’s easy plants that need no more light than Anubias. But without high light, mine is leggy, all green except the top near light

**davemonkey** · 11-21-2020, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiger15

NIs it legal to sell within state.

You'd have to check you particular state's Fish And Wildlife department or other similar dept. I looked at one of the NJ invasive plant lists and didn't see it listed, but I doubt what I saw was all-inclusive. It appeared to just list the more common species with fact sheets. As cold as it gets up there, it may just not be a concern because it can't survive through winter.

Michael · 11-21-2020, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davemonkey

You'd have to check you particular state's Fish And Wildlife department or other similar dept. I looked at one of the NJ invasive plant lists and didn't see it listed, but I doubt what I saw was all-inclusive. It appeared to just list the more common species with fact sheets. As cold as it gets up there, it may just not be a concern because it can't survive through winter.

That would be my guess, it isn't cold hardy or invasive in NJ, so it isn't illegal there.