ABSTRACT This paper presents a review on wetland plants of Algeria, based on a compilation of the data published in the literature and our own field observations during the last 30 years. A total of 361 rare species of vascular plants, distributed in 204 genera and 73 families, were reported for Algerian wetlands, representing about 56% of the whole wetland flora. Out of 51 endemic (s.l.) species (14%), 11 are considered strictly endemic to Algeria. Amongst the rare species of Algerian wetland plants, 58 are threatened (16% of the 361 rare species) and 123 are nationwide protected species (34%). However, 128 rare wetland species (35.5%) are not yet assessed for their threat status, and 238 species (66%) are not yet legally protected in Algeria. In addition, 40 heritage species are the most at risk of extinction, since they have not been seen for at least the past three decades. Targeted field research for these missing species is more than desirable. This is the first comprehensive analysis of the rare flora of Algerian wetlands, for conservation purposes.