Butomus

Linnaeus

Sp. Pl. 1: 372. 1753; Gen. Pl. ed. 5; 174, 1754.

Common names: Flowering-rush
Etymology: Greek butomos/butomon, marsh plant from Greek bous, cow, and temno, to cut referring to sharp leaves, known or believed to cut mouths of cattle
Treatment appears in FNA Volume 22.

Plants in fresh water to 2 m deep. Leaves emersed, submersed, or floating; blade triangular proximally, flattened distally. Inflorescences overtopping leaves; scape trianglular; bracts 3, subtending umbel. Flowers: tepals light pink-purple with darker purple veins; stamens in 2 cycles, outer cycle of 3 pairs opposite outer tepals, inner cycle of 3 opposite inner tepals; anthers ovoid; pistils pink. Fruits leathery, beaked.

Distribution

Introduced; North America, Eurasia.

Discussion

Species 1.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

... more about "Butomus"
Robert R. Haynes +
Linnaeus +
Flowering-rush +
North America +  and Eurasia. +
Greek butomos/butomon, marsh plant +, from Greek bous, cow, and temno, to cut +  and referring to sharp leaves, known or believed to cut mouths of cattle +
Butomus +
Butomaceae +