Kingdom Plantae Family Menyanthaceae Scientific name Menyanthes Rank Genus | Order Asterales Species M. trifoliata Higher classification Menyanthaceae | |
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Similar Menyanthaceae, Comarum palustre, Silverweed Cinquefoil, Marsh Marigold, Potentilla erecta | ||
Menyanthes trifoliata
Menyanthes is a monotypic genus of flowering plant in the family Menyanthaceae containing the single species Menyanthes trifoliata. The name Menyanthes comes from the Greek words menyein, meaning "disclosing", and anthos, meaning "flower", in reference to the sequential opening of flowers on the inflorescence. The North American form is often referred to as M. trifoliata var. minor Michx. It is known in English by the common names bogbean and buckbean.
Contents
Bogbean menyanthes trifoliata 2015 05 15
Characteristics
Menyanthes trifoliata has a horizontal rhizome with alternate, trifoliate leaves. The inflorescence is an erect raceme of white flowers.
Menyanthes trifoliata occurs in fens and bogs in Asia, Europe, and North America. In eastern North America, it is considered to be a diagnostic fen species. It sometimes creates big quagmires with its thick roots.
It has a characteristic strong and bitter taste, which can be used in schnapps.
