Knowra Acorus Acorus Acorus is a genus of rhizomatous wetland plants native to the Northern Hemisphere. Its members, including sweet flag, are aromatic and form a distinct early-branching lineage of flowering plants.
Monocots : Monocots are flowering plants whose embryos typically have one seed leaf and whose leaves often show parallel veins. Acorus was long grouped with monocots, though molecular evidence places it near their evolutionary origin.
Acorus calamus : Acorus calamus, or sweet flag, is a rhizomatous wetland plant with sword-shaped leaves and aromatic roots. It is the best-known species and illustrates the genus's growth form.
Basal angiosperms : Basal angiosperms are early-diverging lineages of flowering plants outside the large mesangiosperm radiation. Acorus is an early-diverging flowering-plant lineage, not a member of the core monocots.
Traditional medicine : Traditional medicine comprises health practices and knowledge developed within cultural traditions. Acorus rhizomes have been used medicinally in several Asian and European traditions.
Araceae : Araceae is a family of flowering plants that includes aroids such as arum, philodendron, and taro. Its spadix can resemble Acorus's, but molecular classification places the groups in different orders.
Angiosperms : Angiosperms are flowering plants that enclose their seeds within carpels. Acorus belongs to flowering plants despite its reduced, inconspicuous inflorescences.
Acorus gramineus : Acorus gramineus is an East Asian species of sweet flag, commonly grown as a compact ornamental. Its smaller stature shows the range of forms cultivated within the genus.
APG IV system : The APG IV system is a 2016 classification of flowering plants based chiefly on molecular phylogenetic evidence. It recognizes Acorales as a distinct order at the base of monocot evolution.
Acorus calamus in herbalism : Acorus calamus in herbalism concerns the historical medicinal use of sweet flag and its preparations. The plant's traditional uses are distinct from evidence of safety and clinical efficacy.
Typha : Typha is a genus of emergent wetland plants known as cattails or bulrushes. Its wetlands and upright leaves resemble Acorus habitats, but its flowers form a distinct dense spike.
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