Herbs or subshrubs, mostly hydrophytic and often aquatic; stems with monostelic anatomy. Lvs alternate, opposite or whorled, exstipulate, the submerged lvs often finely dissected. Fls solitary and axillary, or in spikes or panicles, small, ☿ or unisexual, actinomorphic. Calyx tube adnate to ovary; lobes 2, 4 or 0. Petals 2, 4–(8) or 0, valvate or nearly so, reflexing, often caducous. Stamens 2, 4 or 8, antipetalous, epipetalous; anthers basifixed. Ovary inferior, (2)–4-celled; each cell with 1–2 ovules; ovules pendulous from apex. Styles (2)–4, free; stigmas capitate and sometimes fimbriate. Fr. usually a small, often winged, rugose or tuberculate nut, sometimes a schizocarp separating into 1-seeded mericarps (nutlets). Seeds endospermic; embryo straight.
[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]
Category | Number |
---|---|
Indigenous (Endemic) | 7 |
Indigenous (Non-endemic) | 3 |
Exotic: Fully Naturalised | 3 |
Total | 13 |