Penthoraceae

Fleshy, non-woody (herbaceous) perennials of wetlands, including ditches; with rhizomes. Often forming clumps of red-tinted stems. Leaves alternate, on short stalks or none, leaf edges with teeth; stipules none.

Flowers yellowish to whitish-green, facing upward along the upper side of the stem and its branches, in a cluster of coiled (patterned like a snail shell) cymes at the top of the stem. Each flower producing both pollen and seeds; radially symmetrical. Sepals 5, united below the middle, persistent. Petals usually none; if present, inconspicuous, 1-8. Stamens 10, with yellowish-pink pollen-producing structures (anthers) at top. Carpels 5, united below the middle to form 1 pistil; ovary located above or slightly below the point where other flower parts are attached (superior to partly inferior); styles 5. Fruit star-like capsules, often tinted red, with 5 angles, 5 beaks and many seeds.