Sparganiaceae

1 gen., mostly N. hemisphere.

Sparganium L.

2 species in Aust. (1 native, 1 introduced); Qld, NSW, Vic.

Sparganium subglobosum Morong

Aquatic perennial with a short creeping rhizome. Stem erect, less than 1 m high. Leaves cauline, long, linear, 3–6 mm wide. Flowers unisexual, regular, numerous in globular clusters which are distant from each other along the upper stem; upper clusters with male flowers; lower clusters with female flowers. Bracts and perianth scale-like. Stamens usually 3. Ovary nearly sessile. Fruits indehiscent, sessile, crowded, with a drupaceous pericarp. Coast. Margins of fresh water ponds and streams.