Classification
Class
Magnoliopsida Brongn.
Order
Alismatales R.Br. ex Bercht. & J.Presl
Family
Potamogetonaceae Bercht. & J.Presl
 Subordinate Taxa
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Potamogeton L., Sp. Pl. 126 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Pondweed
 Description

Aquatic perennial herbs of brackish or fresh water. Leaves simple, usually alternate, often dimorphic, submersed ones narrower and more delicate than floating ones; in axil, a delicate membranous stipule, either free or adnate below. Inflorescence a many-flowered spike; peduncle axillary with 0, 1 or 2 bracts at base. Flowers small, green, bisexual, actinomorphic, without bracteoles, segments 4, free, valvate, concave. Stamens 4, on claw of segments; anthers 2-celled, apparently sessile, extrorse. Carpels 4, sessile, free, superior; stigma sessile or nearly so; ovule solitary, strongly curved. Achenes drupe-like when fresh; endocarp stony, splitting by separation of vertically-oriented operculum on outer face.

[From: Healy and Edgar (1980) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 3. (Potamogetonaceae)]

 Biostatus
Indigenous (Non-endemic)
Number of species in New Zealand within Potamogeton L.
CategoryNumber
Indigenous (Endemic)1
Indigenous (Non-endemic)2
Exotic: Fully Naturalised1
Total4
 Bibliography
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.