Menyanthes

Menyanthes
File:Fieberklee2.jpg
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Asterales Family: Menyanthaceae Genus: Menyanthes L. 1753 Species: M. trifoliata
Binomial name
Menyanthes trifoliata L.

Menyanthes is a monotypic genus of flowering plant in the family Menyanthaceae. 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.

Menyanthes trifoliata is characterized by a horizontal rhizome with alternate, trifoliate leaves. The inflorescence is an erect raceme of white flowers.

Menyanthes trifoliata occurs in bogs and marshes in Asia, Europe, and North America. The North American form is often referred to as M. trifoliata var. minor Michx. It is known in English by the common names bog-bean and buckbean, and in German as Bitterklee or Fieberklee.

• Flowerhead

  Flowerhead

• 19th century illustration

  19th century illustration