Scheuchzeria

Scheuchzeria is a small, monotypic genus of aquatic flowering plants in the family Scheuchzeriaceae. It contains a single species, Scheuchzeria palustris, native to cool temperate wetlands of Europe, Asia, and North America. The genus is named in honor of the Swiss naturalist Johann Jakob Scheuchzer.

Description

Scheuchzeria palustris is a low-growing, rhizomatous perennial. It forms creeping rhizomes from which slender shoots rise above the water surface. Foliage is reduced, with slender, linear leaves. The flowering shoot bears a short, terminal inflorescence of small, greenish flowers. The plant is typically found in acidic, nutrient-poor wetlands such as marshes, fen pools, and shallow ponds.

Distribution and habitat

The species has a circumboreal and temperate distribution, occurring across much of Europe, temperate Asia, and North America. It favors damp, still or slow-flowing waters and is often associated with peatlands and bogs, where water conditions are lightly acidic to neutral and nutrient levels are low.

Ecology and conservation

In parts of its range Scheuchzeria palustris is rare and locally protected due to habitat loss and wetland drainage. It is not widely cultivated and has little economic use, but it is of interest to botanists as the sole member of its family.

Taxonomy

Scheuchzeria belongs to the family Scheuchzeriaceae, within the order Alismatales. It is a monotypic genus, with Scheuchzeria palustris as its sole species. The genus name commemorates the naturalist Johann Jakob Scheuchzer.