Vallisneriaceae

Vallisneriaceae is a family of aquatic flowering plants, commonly known as tape grass or eelgrass. This family is cosmopolitan, found in freshwater and brackish environments across the globe. Members of Vallisneriaceae are submerged or floating-leaved herbs that grow from rhizomes. Their leaves are typically long, ribbon-like, and arranged in a basal rosette. The flowers are unisexual, with male and female flowers produced on separate plants or on the same plant. Pollination is typically hydrophilous, meaning it occurs underwater. The fruit is a berry containing numerous small seeds. Vallisneriaceae plays an important ecological role in aquatic ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various organisms and contributing to water clarity. The family contains a single genus, Vallisneria, which includes several species widely distributed in temperate and tropical regions. These plants are often used in aquariums for their ornamental value and their ability to oxygenate water.