Alismataceae

The water-plantain family (Alismataceae) is a family of mostly perennial, herbaceous water and marsh plants. The plants are found in temperate, subtropical and tropical regions. They generally feature long thin leafstalks that are basally clustered and can grow submerged, floating, or above water. Such herbaceous plants are frequently laticiferous (latex-producing).

The family consists of over 110 species in 18 genera.

The best known species in Belgium is probably the arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia).

Several species, notably in the genus Sagittaria, have edible rhizomes, grown for both human food and animal fodder in southern and eastern Asia. They were eaten as food by the indigenous peoples of North America. Most have value as food for wildlife. Some are grown as ornamental plants in bog gardens, ponds and aquariums. The leaves and flower buds of Limnocharis flava are eaten in Southeast Asia as "poor people's vegetable".