Marsileaceae - Water-clovers and pillworts

Crouch, N.R., Klopper, R.R., Burrows, J.E. & Burrows, S.M. (2011) Ferns of Southern Africa, A comprehensive guide Struik Nature

Jacobsen, W.B.G. (1983) The Ferns and Fern Allies of Southern Africa. Butterworths, Durban and Pretoria.

Roux, J.P. (2001) Conspectus of Southern African Pteridophyta. Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report 13

Schelpe, E.A.C.L.E. (1970) Pteridophyta Flora Zambesiaca

Description of the family

Small aquatic or semi-aquatic ferns, rooting in mud, with widely creeping, dichotomously branched rhizomes of indefinite growth. Fronds numerous, approximate to widely spaced, 1-pinnate with 2 pinna pairs in a clover-shaped cluster at the apex of a long, slender, cylindrical petiole or lamina lacking; veins dichotomously branched, anastomosing. Sporangia in closed sporocarps; sporocarps inserted on short stalks (pedicles)on the stipe (usually at the base), heterosporous. Worldwide: 3 genera and c. 75 species worldwide, in warm-temperate and (sub)tropical regions. Zimbabwe: 1 genus and 9 taxa.

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