Genus of flowering plants
Hygrophila, commonly known as swampweeds, is a genus of flowering plants in the acanthus family, Acanthaceae. There are about 80 to 100 species, of which many are aquatic plants. The genus is distributed across the tropical and subtropical world. It is one of only two genera in its family that contains aquatic plants, the other being "Justicia". The genus is treated in the tribe "Hygrophileae", which is noted as being in need of revision at the genus level, meaning the current taxonomic boundaries of "Hygrophila" are likely to change in the future.
Description.
The leaves are either homomorphic, all with one form, or heteromorphic, with different forms on one plant. Homomorphic leaves are always simple and entire. Plants with heteromorphic leaves generally have pinnately divided basal leaves with either filiform (feather-like) or linear segments, and undivided leaves higher on the stem.
The flowers have white to purple corollas with either 5 equal lobes or 2 lips. A lipped corolla has an erect, concave upper lip with two lobes, and a lower lip with 3 lobes. The flower has four stamens. Two may be staminodal, lacking pollen. The individual filaments of the stamens are united into pairs by a membrane. There is an inconspicuous nectar disc. Each flower yields at least 6 seeds.
Ecology and uses.
A number of "Hygrophila" species and cultivars are popular within the aquascaping and aquarium hobbies, including "H. angustifolia", "H. corymbosa", "H. lancea" 'Araguaia', "H. pinnatifida", "H. difformis" 'Water Wisteria', "H. odora", "H. polysperma" 'Indian swampweed' and "H. siamensis". Additionally, there are some striking newer forms on the market, such as the vivid hybrids of "Hygrophila" "polysperma", 'Sunset' and 'Rosanervig'.
Many members of the genus are troublesome weeds if they become established within irrigation systems, drains or drainage ditches, as well as in rice fields. Several have become established outside of their native ranges, either due to accidentally-discarded cuttings or deliberate release, such as "H. polysperma" in the southern United States.
Species.
77 species are accepted:
References.
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