3-68 Podostemaceae, riverweed family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas M. Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas M. Hill Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Keywords:

Magnoliophyte, riverweed family, dicots, Podostemum, threadfoot, riverweed, aquatic plant

Abstract

Aquatic herbs, they number about 200 species, all preferring flowing streams with rocky streambeds. Leaves and stems appear largely undifferentiated and thalloid. The aerial flowers and fruits are produced only as water levels drop. Perfect flowers are reduced; sepals are usually vestigial. Fruit is a capsule with many seeds within its carpels. Nova Scotia has a single species, with very limited distribution in the province. Photograph use donated by Sean Blaney and David Mazerolle.

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas M. Hill, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Director; Adjunct Professor