Description: Monoecious, floating or rooted and emergent stoloniferous perennials; stolons axillary.
Leaves differentiated into lamina and petiole, the petiole with 1 or 2 membranous stipules at base.
Inflorescences unisexual. Perianth in 2 whorls; the inner larger and petaloid. Male spathe with 1–4 flowers; male flowers shortly pedicellate; stamens 12, usually with some of these as staminodes. Female flowers solitary, pedicellate; staminodes 6; ovary 1-locular with 6 2-fid styles.
Fruit berry-like, dehiscing irregularly; seeds numerous.
Distribution and occurrence: World: 3–6 species, Old World. Australia: 1 species (native).
Text by S. W. L. Jacobs
Taxon concept:
| One species in NSW: Hydrocharis dubia |
|
