4-22, Sparganiaceae, bur-reed 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, bur-reed family, monocots, Sparganium, bur-reed

Abstract

The family comprises a monogeneric group of aquatic perennials, totalling 15–20 species of the north- temperate zones. Leaves are long and narrow and may be basal or cauline. Submerged and emerged leaves both have septa. Easily distinguished, they produce a flexuous and sometimes branched inflorescence of persistent burrs; flowers are imperfect. Inflorescence arises from the axil of the bracteal leaf or above, the staminate heads distalmost. Perianth is reduced to 3–6 tepallike scales. Fruits are achenes within a hard bony covering, one seed per locule. Photographs by Martin Thomas and Sean Blaney, Alain Belliveau, Roger Lloyd.

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