Family Philydraceae
Description: Caespitose and/or rhizomatous annual or perennial herbs usually of aquatic or damp habitats.
Leaves linear, mostly basal, with a sheathing base.
Inflorescence spicate or paniculate. Flowers zygomorphic, bisexual, usually subtended by spathe-like bracts. Perianth of 2 whorls of 2, free or fused, hairy or glabrous. Stamen 1; filament flattened; anther peltate, 2-locular, dehiscing by longitudinal slits, twisted or straight at dehiscence. Ovary superior, 1–3-locular, hairy or glabrous; style 1, simple.
Fruit dehiscent or indehiscent; seeds numerous.
Distribution and occurrence: World: 3 genera, 6 species, Australia to South-East Asia, Japan. Australia: 2 genera, 5 species, all mainland States except S.A.
External links:
Angiosperm Phylogeny Website (Family: Philydraceae, Order: Commelinales)
Wikipedia
Text by S. W. L. Jacobs
Taxon concept:
| | Key to the genera | |
| 1 | Perianth white to pink, outer segments fused at base; anther straight | Helmholtzia |
| Perianth yellow, outer segments free; anther twisted | Philydrum |
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