Synonyms: Lepilaena APNI*
Description: Submerged dioecious or monoecious aquatic annuals or short-lived perennials with slender rhizomes; often much branched and, in flowing water, may be to 1 m long or, under unfavourable conditions, c. 0.5 cm high.
Leaves alternate or ± opposite when subtending flowers, 1-veined, usually <1 mm wide, with a basal auriculate or ligulate sheath.
Flowers usually unisexual, axillary, solitary but often clustered. Male flower with a reduced perianth of 3 scales or cup-like and a single anther mass either 4- or 12-sporangiate. Female flowers with 3 membranous perianth segments; carpels 3, free; stigma oblique, cylindrical or funnel-shaped.
Distribution and occurrence: World: 9 species, Australia, New Zealand & southern Pacific islands, Mediterranean to Central Asia, South Africa. Australia: 7 species (native), all States except N.T.
Formerly separated in Australia as the genus Lepilaena . Previously placed in the segregate family Zannichelliaceae.
Text by S. W. L. Jacobs; updated by R. L. Barrett (June 2019)
Taxon concept:
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