Diversity:  Fully aquatic, perennial herbs with submersed rhizomes and floating leaves from erect, leafy branches.  A two genera (often treated as a single genus) with about 100 species.

Distribution:  Worldwide and centered in aquatic situations, i.e., not common elements of any flora BUT usually present and conspicuous in ponds, lakes, and rivers. We have both genera (Coleogeton  and Potamogeton) and 12 species in the Texas flora with one endemic and endangered.

Floral structure:

Significant features:  Flowers perfect, apocarpous, anemophilous, and reduced - often forming a distinctive, emergent spike.  Origin of the 4 tepals is uncertain (perianth vs. stamen appendages).  These plants are important food-producers in fresh water habitats. (photo overview from CalPhotos)

More information on the Potamogetonaceae