Emergent aquatic annuals or perennials with short swollen stems. Juvenile leaves submerged, linear; mature leaves floating and emergent, with long petioles dependant on water depth; blade lanceolate to ovate to elliptic, the base cuneate to cordate. Inflorescence paniculate, the branches whorled. Flowers bisexual. Sepals 3, green. Petals 3, longer than sepals, white or pink. Stamens 6. Carpels mostly c. 9 (6–10), in 1 whorl, triangular with a long beak, joined centrally along shortest side; ovules 2–many. Fruit ‘star-shaped’ when mature, of 6–10 follicles, dehiscent or indehiscent.