Batrachium

Batrachium is a genus of plants in the family Ranunculaceae, commonly known as water crowfoots or spearworts. These are aquatic or semi-aquatic herbs found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The genus is characterized by its submerged, finely dissected leaves and floating, often lobed, leaves. The flowers are typically white with a yellow center and are borne on stalks that rise above the water surface. They are often solitary or borne in small clusters. The fruits are small achenes, often arranged in a head.

Species within Batrachium are often difficult to distinguish, and taxonomic classifications vary. Some botanists consider Batrachium to be a subgenus of the larger genus Ranunculus, while others maintain it as a distinct genus. The primary distinction often lies in the leaf morphology, with Batrachium species exhibiting a clear division between submerged and emergent foliage, whereas other Ranunculus species may have more uniform leaf types. Reproduction can occur both sexually through seeds and vegetatively through runners. These plants play a role in aquatic ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various invertebrates and small fish.