| Samolus | |
|---|---|
| S. valerandi | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Theophrastaceae |
| Genus: | Samolus L. |
| Species | |
|
|
Samolus (Brookweed, or water pimpernel) is a widely distributed genus of about a dozen species of water-loving herbs. It is considered sister to a clade comprising the Theophrastaceae,[1] so it may be treated as part of that family or in its own monogeneric family, the Samolaceae. Although the latter option is not uncommon, at present the Angiosperm Phylogeny Website recommends the former.[2]
The last complete taxonomic treatment of this genus[3][4] recognizes the following species:
Samolus valerandi is native to a very wide area across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas;[5] the other species have more restricted ranges.
