4-4 Butomaceae, flowering-rush 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, flowering-rush family, monocots, Butomus

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.

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.