Waterwort Family Waterwort Family

Gordon C. Tucker

Herbs [subshrubs], annual [short-lived perennial], synoecious [polygamous]. Leaves opposite [whorled], simple; stipules present; petiole present or absent; blade margins entire or serrulate; venation pinnate. Inflorescences axillary, usually cymes or flowers solitary, sometimes 2[–3]-flowered clusters. Flowers bisexual [pistillate]; perianth and androecium hypogynous; hypanthium absent; sepals 2–5, distinct or connate basally; petals (0 or) 2–5, distinct; nectary absent; stamens [0–]1–10, distinct, free; anthers dehiscing by longitudinal slits; pistil 1, 2–5-carpellate, ovary superior, 2–5-locular, placentation axile; ovules 2–33[–44] per locule, anatropous; styles 2–5, distinct; stigmas 2–5, capitate. Fruits capsules, dehiscence septicidal or irregular. Seeds 2–33[–44] per locule.

Genera 2, species ca. 50 (2 genera, 11 species in the flora): nearly worldwide in temperate and tropical regions.

The affinities of Elatinaceae have long been uncertain; relationships with Caryophyllaceae and Clusiaceae have been proposed (G. C. Tucker 1986). Recent molecular work, combined with a review of morphology, indicates a sister relationship with Malpighiaceae (C. C. Davis and M. W. Chase 2004; K. Wurdack and Davis 2009).

SELECTED REFERENCES Davis, C. C. and M. W. Chase. 2004. Elatinaceae are sister to Malpighiaceae; Peridiscaceae belong to Saxifragales. Amer. J. Bot. 91: 262–273. Tucker, G. C. 1986. The genera of Elatinaceae in the southeastern United States. J. Arnold Arbor. 67: 471–483.