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Acorus
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Acorus

plant genus
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Quick Summary

Acorus is a genus of rushlike herbs that are the only members of the family Acoraceae and the order Acorales. These plants are considered the most basal lineage among monocotyledons, characterized by a single seed leaf.1

Species within the Acorus genus, such as Acorus calamus (sweet flag), are found in wetlands across North America and parts of Asia. They often grow near pond margins or fast-moving streams. Sweet flag has a long history of use as an herbal ingredient, dating back to Classical Greek times, and some species are cultivated as ornamentals.1

While Acorus was once classified with the Araceae family due to its flower structure, significant morphological and genetic differences have led botanists to establish a separate family and order for it.1

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. Acorales
  2. Acorus

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