Genus

Pontederia 

pontederia

This genus name honors Giulio Pontedera (1688-1757), an Italian botanist originally from Tuscany and later professor and director of the botanical garden at Padua, near Venice.

Pontederia cordata
Pickerelweed
flowers and leaves

This is a western hemisphere genus, with two species found in the United States. Pontederia cordata is native to North America. P. rotundifolia is a native of South America and is prohibited from use in Florida and is on the Federal Noxious Weed List.

Species of the Pontederia genus in the Wild Florida Photo database:

  Pontederia cordata
Pickerelweed

The genus Pontederia is a member of the Pontederiaceae - Water-hyacinth family.