4-4 Butomaceae, flowering-rush family

Abstract

A monotypic family, its single species has been introduced into North America from temperate Asia. Typically, it is an aquatic emergent, bearing its perfect flowers on a long peduncle. The leaves are linear, scarcely wider than the peduncle. Flowers have three pink petals subtended by three bracts. Stamens number nine, while the pistils are six. The inflorescence is an umbel. Plants may reach 1–2m, with the leaves often exceeding 1m in length. Photograph provided by Sean Blaney.