Lizard's-tails
What are they?
This is a small family of plants, native to North America and Asia and most closely related to the birthworts (Aristolochiaceae) and the pepper family (Piperaceae).
Where are they found?
As non-natives, any plants are likely to be in human-influenced places. Some species are plants of wetlands so will most likely be found next to ponds, while others are more likely in urban habitats or where garden waste is dumped.
Identification
Members of this family have alternate leaves and the flowers are carried in a dense, terminal spike that has a cluster of, often coloured, bracts at its base. The individual flowers are petalless. The two species recorded in our area are rather different in the appearance of their flower spikes and not likely to be confused.
Fish-plant Houttuynia cordata
Introduced from eastern Asia as a garden ornamental and recently recorded from two urban areas in central Norfolk. Flowers June to August. A creeping species that has proven to be invasive in warmer climates. Flower spikes have 4-6 white, petal-like bracts at the base. Typically grown in cultivation in a colourful, variegated form.
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Lizard's-tail Saururus cernuus
An uncommon plant, sometimes grown as an ornamental in garden ponds. Currently known from a single village pond in Norfolk, where it appears to be thriving and was perhaps originally planted. Flowers June to August. A patch-forming species of wet places, often growing in shallow water. The arrowhead leaves on zigzag stems, and unusual, curved, flower spikes are distinctive.
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