Lythraceae

Lythraceae is a family of flowering plants, also known as the loosestrife family. It includes 32 genera and about 620 species of herbs, shrubs and trees. The family is distributed worldwide but with a concentration in the tropics.

Description[edit | edit source]

Members of the Lythraceae are mostly herbs, but some are shrubs or trees. They are usually found in wet habitats, and most are aquatic or semi-aquatic. The leaves are opposite or alternate, simple, and entire. The flowers are typically brightly colored, with a tubular, often ribbed calyx. The petals are clawed. The fruit is a capsule containing many seeds.

Taxonomy[edit | edit source]

The Lythraceae was first described in 1789 by the French botanist Antoine Laurent de Jussieu. The family includes 32 genera and about 620 species. The largest genera are Cuphea (260 species), Lythrum (38 species), Nesaea (25 species) and Rotala (45 species).

Distribution and habitat[edit | edit source]

The family is distributed worldwide, but is most diverse in the tropics. Many species are aquatic or semi-aquatic, and they are especially common in wetlands.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Some species are grown as ornamental plants, notably members of the genera Lagerstroemia (crape myrtles) and Lythrum (loosestrifes). Punica granatum (pomegranate) is cultivated for its fruit.

References[edit | edit source]

Lythraceae Resources
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