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Which genera are the best-known members of the Alismataceae family?
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Alismatales
Showy and delicate flowers of the flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus).
The Alismataceae family, which belongs to the order Alismatales, consists of 17 genera of freshwater flowering plants. The most well-known and common genera within this family are:1
- Alisma: Commonly known as water plantain.12
- Echinodorus: Commonly known as burhead.12
- Sagittaria: Commonly known as arrowhead.12
These plants are typically found in shallow water, swamps, or on wet, muddy banks. While Alisma and Sagittaria are most prevalent in temperate regions, Echinodorus is primarily distributed throughout the Neotropics. Some species of Sagittaria are notable for their edible rhizomes and tubers.12