4-17 Pontederiaceae, pickerelweed 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, pickerelweed family, monocots, Pontederia, pickerelweed

Abstract

All perennial herbs, the nine genera of 30 species are mostly
subtropical and tropical, associated with wetlands or water. A single
colonial aquatic species reaches Nova Scotia. Its glossy cordate
leaves reach above the shallows in which it grows. Flowers are purple,
borne in an erect spike above the water, 3–7cm long. Flowers are cleft
into two limbs, the upper limb has three lobes, connate for half their
length. The lower has three lobes, nearly separate from each other.
Photograph us donated by David Mazerolle, and Sean Blaney.

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