Lysimachia

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For the ancient town, see Lysimachia (Thrace).
Lysimachia
Yellow pimpernel, Lysimachia nemorum
Yellow pimpernel, Lysimachia nemorum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ericales
Family: Myrsinaceae
Genus: Lysimachia
L.
Species

include:
Lysimachia nemorum (yellow pimpernel)
Lysimachia nummularia (creeping Jenny)
Lysimachia vulgaris (yellow loosestrife)

Lysimachia is a genus of flowering plants. It is traditionally classified in the family Primulaceae but should, according to molecular phylogenetic study, be placed to the family Myrsinaceae [1].

Contents

[edit] Characteristics

Lysimachia species often have yellow flowers, and grow vigorously. They tend to grow in damp conditions. Several species within Lysimachia are commonly called loosestrife, although this name is also used for plants within the genus Lythrum.

Lysimachia species are used as food plants by the larvae of some butterflies and moths, including the Dot Moth, Grey Pug, Lime-speck Pug, Small Angle Shades and V-pug.

[edit] Selected species

Species within the genus include:

  • Lysimachia atropurpurea (purple gooseneck loosetrife)
  • Lysimachia ciliatum (fringed loosestrife)
  • Lysimachia clethroides (gooseneck loosestrife) — a hardy perennial resembling a tall Speedwell and growing up to 3 feet (1 metre). Flowers from July on to September. Grows best in deep, rich loam in a sheltered position.
  • Lysimachia fraseri (Fraser's yellow loosestrife, endangered)
  • Lysimachia nemorum (yellow pimpernel)
  • Lysimachia nummularia (creeping Jenny or moneywort) — extremely hardy, and easy to cultivate; every piece of the creeping root will, if taken off, make a fresh plant.
  • Lysimachia punctata (spotted loosestrife)
  • Lysimachia sertulata (Chilean melilukul)
  • Lysimachia quadrifolia (whorled loosestrife)
  • Lysimachia terrestris (swamp candles)
  • Lysimachia vulgaris (garden or yellow loosestrife)

[edit] References

  1. ^ M. Källersjö, G. Bergqvist & A. A. Anderberg (2000). Generic realignment in primuloid families of the Ericales s. l.: a phylogenetic analysis based on DNA sequences from three chloroplast genes and morphology. American Journal of Botany 87 (9): 1325–1341. 

[edit] External links

lysimachia punctata Spotted Loosestrife
lysimachia punctata Spotted Loosestrife