| Menyanthaceae | |
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| Menyanthes trifoliata | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Menyanthaceae Dumort.[1] |
| Genera | |
See text. | |
Menyanthaceae is afamily of aquatic and wetland plants in the orderAsterales. There are approximately 60-70 species in sixgenera distributed worldwide. The simple or compoundleaves arisealternately from a creepingrhizome. In the submersed aquatic genusNymphoides, leaves are floating and support a lax,umbellate orracemoseinflorescence. In other genera the inflorescence is erect and consists of one (e.g.,Liparophyllum) to many flowers. Thesympetalous,insect-pollinated flowers are five-parted and either yellow or white. The petals areciliate or adorned with lateral wings. Fruit type is acapsule.
Species of Menyanthaceae are found worldwide. The generaMenyanthes andNephrophyllidium grow only in the northern hemisphere, whileLiparophyllum andVillarsia occur only in the southern hemisphere.Nymphoides species have acosmopolitan distribution.
Menyanthaceae species are of economic importance as ornamental water garden plants, withNymphoides being most commonly traded. The practice of growing non-native water plants has led to several species becomingnaturalized orinvasive.
Dimorphicheterostyly occurs in all genera butLiparophyllum. In addition, four species ofNymphoides aredioecious.[2]
Plants of the World Online accepts the following genera:[3]
Authority control databases: National |
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