196. Ruppiaceae Horaninow ex Hutchinson
Ditch-grass Family
Robert R. Haynes
Herbs, annual or rarely perennial, not rhizomatous, caulescent; turions absent [present]. Leaves alternate to subopposite, submersed, sessile; sheath not persisting longer than blade, not leaving circular scar when shed, not ligulate, not auriculate; blade linear; intravaginal squamules scales, 2. Inflorescences terminal, capitate spikes, with subtending spathe, pedunculate; peduncle following fertilization often elongating, often spiraling. Flowers bisexual; subtending bracts absent; perianth absent; stamens 2, in 1 series; anthers distinct, dehiscing longitudinally; pollen arcuate; pistils 4--16, distinct, stipitate; ovules parietal, campylotropous. Fruits drupaceous. Seeds 1; embryo straight.
Genus Genera 1, species ca. 10 (2 species in the flora): nearly worldwide.
Ruppiaceae are found submersed in brackish or saline waters or fresh waters with very high calcium or sulfur ion concentrations.
SELECTED REFERENCES
Haynes, R. R. 1978. The Potamogetonaceae in the Southeastern United States. J. Arnold Arbor. 59: 170--191.
