Naiadaceae


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Naiadaceae >



Read about Naiadaceae in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture 

Naiadaceae (from the genus Naias, derived from the Greek, meaning a water nymph). Pondweed Family. Fig. 6, Immersed aquatic herbs: leaves mostly cauline, opposite or alternate, the floating often differing from the submerged in shape and texture: flowers axillary or spicate, bisexual or unisexual; perianth of 4 herbaceous segments, or wanting; stamens 1-4, rarely more; carpels 1-9, mostly distinct, 1-celled, 1-ovuled: fruit a nutlet; endosperm none; embryo curved, rarely straight.

Naiadaceae has 10 genera and about 100 species widely distributed, but most abundant in temperate regions. The largest genus is Potamogeton with 50 species. The family is a very heterogeneous one which has been divided or united in many ways by different authors. As here treated it is distinguished by the aquatic habit, greenish, often reduced perianth, few stamens, and few, separate, 1-seeded carpels. A spathe-like bract usually incloses the inflorescence.

The dried leaves of Zostera and Posidonia have been used since ancient times in Venice to pack glassware. They are now widely used for packing. Plants of Potamogeton and Zostera are employed as manure.

Several species of Potamogeton (Pondweed) and one of Zannichellia are possibly in the American trade, for water-gardens.CH


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