Naiadaceae 9 



staminate and pistillate portions usually distant; stigmas linear 

 or linear-oblong; pollen grains simple; fruit not furrowed, not 

 bursting in water, outer coat not separable. 



In similar places, but not common. Near Los Angeles, Davidson; San 

 Bernardino, Parish. 



2. SPABGANIUM L. BUR-REED. 



Marsh or aquatic plants with simple or somewhat 

 branched stems. Flowers in globose heads along the 

 upper portions of the stem and branches, the upper 

 heads staminate ; the lower pistillate, in the axils of leaf- 

 like bracts. Perianth of minute irregular scales. Sta- 

 mens with long slender distinct filaments. Ovaries ses- 

 sile, mostly 1-celled. Fruit nut-like. 



1. S. eurycarpum Engelm. Stems rather stout, 1-2.5 m. high, 

 branching; leaves, linear flat, slightly keeled beneath, the lowest 

 1-1.5 m.long, the upper shorter; staminate heads numerous; 

 pistillate heads 2-4, sessile or more commonly peduncled, com- 

 pact, 20-40 mm. in diameter when mature; style 1; stigmas 1-2; 

 nutlets sessile, 6-10 mm. long; perianth segments as many as 

 the angles of the fruit or with 2-3 outer ones, spatulate or eroded, 

 equaling the fruit. 



Occasional along streams, usually growing with Typha. Ballona Creek; 

 New River near Alamitos. May-June. 



Family 3. NAIADACEAE. PONDWEED FAMILY. 



Aquatic plants entirely submerged or with floating 

 leaves. Stems jointed, usually branched. Leaves linear 

 or lanceolate or with broad floating blades, sheathing 

 at the base. Flowers small, naked or with herbaceous 

 or hyaline perianth, commonly borne on a spike or spa- 

 dix. Stamens 1-6, with extrorse anthers. Ovaries 

 mostly distinct, 1-celled, 1-ovuled. Carpels rarely dehis- 

 cent ; endosperm none ; embryo often curved. 



