Defining Features: The characteristic
inflorescence gives the family the common name "Cattails". Individuals
are tall and can reproduce clonally, by submerged rhizomes, forming dense
stands.
Defining Morphology: Floral
Features: Flowers are actinomorphic and unisexual/monoecious. Perianth
is of numerous bristles or scales. Inflorescence is a double spadix with
female flowers on the bottom and male flowers at the apex. Each inflorescence
of female and male flowers are subtended by a deciduous bract (spathe)
and borne on a long peduncle. Ovaries are superior with apical placentation.
Fruit and Seed Features: Monocotyledon. Fruits are drupe or an achene-like
follicle. Seed has endosperm. Vegetative Features: Habit as tall perennial
herbs with rhizome in wet, marshy soils. Leaves are simple, long and strap-shaped,
alternate/basal with entire margin. Sheathing is present at the base of
the leaves. Stipules are lacking.
Distribution: Widespread in
aquatic and semi-aquatic regions worldwide, especially in the northern
hemisphere.
Economic Use: The starchy
rhizome can be eaten and the long leaves used in matting and weaving chair
bottoms. The dried inflorescences are important in commercial flower arranging
(as cattails) and the plants themselves provide cover for waterfowl and
help to prevent water erosion.
Number of Genera Globally:
2
Number of Species Globally: 28
