Arales

Arales is an older taxonomic order of flowering plants (angiosperms) that is no longer in common use. It encompassed a group of plants characterized by having an inflorescence known as a spadix, which is a fleshy spike bearing many small flowers, and often accompanied by a spathe, a large bract that partially or wholly encloses the spadix.

Historically, the Arales order included families such as Araceae (arum family) and Lemnaceae (duckweed family). The members of the Araceae family are known for their diverse forms, ranging from large, showy plants like the calla lily and peace lily to smaller, less conspicuous species. Lemnaceae, on the other hand, consists of tiny, free-floating aquatic plants.

Modern phylogenetic analyses, particularly those based on molecular data, have led to a reorganization of plant classification. The plants formerly classified in the Arales order are now placed within the Alismatales order. The Alismatales order is a much broader grouping that includes not only the Araceae and Lemnaceae but also a number of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants. This reclassification reflects a better understanding of the evolutionary relationships among these plants. Therefore, while "Arales" may still be encountered in older literature, it is no longer considered a valid taxonomic designation in contemporary botanical classification systems. The study of the plants previously grouped under Arales continues within the context of the Alismatales.