Saururaceae Links to genus directories: Anemopsis Houttuynia Saururus

Genera : 5

Species: 7

Distribution: On the east and west coast of North America and in Asia.

Economic Uses: As an ornamental and medicinally.

Defining Features of Interest: The family is very similar to the Piperaceae.

Fossil Evidence: No known fossil record.

Defining Morphology

Floral Features : Naked (perianth lacking) and perfect. Flowers are small and borne on dense terminal racemes or spikes. Hypogynous or epigynous.

Fruit and Seed Features : Fruit a capsule or somewhat fleshy. Seed with little endosperm. Placentation is parietal.

Vegetative Features : Habit is as a perennial, aromatic herb. leaves are simple, alternate and with stipules present and adnate to the petiole.