Herbs. Leaves spirally arranged, compound with sheathing bases. Inflorescence a terminal panicle. Flowers bisexual, or some male only,
actinomorphic. Perianth segments 3-5, imbricate in bud, green or petaloid. Petals 0. Stamens often with
conspicuous anthers. Carpels 1-numerous, 1-ovulate. Achenes with
stigma persistent, forming a long beak (in ours). Worldwide: 330 species in northern temperate zones, New Guinea, tropical America and tropical and South Africa Zimbabwe: 1 taxon. |
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