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1. Lythrum salicaria
2. L. hyssopifolia
3. L. hyssopifolia
4. L. salicaria
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Two
species of Lythrum (Loosestrife) are fairly
widespread in Tasmania, although whether they are native or
not is open to debate).
A third species, L. junceum has become naturalised
in one small area on Tasman Peninsula.
All three species are erect herbs that grow in wet places.
The flowers are distinctive – they have 6 petals and sepals,
and either 6 or 12 stamens. However, the flower is deeply
perigynous  - although the petals and sepals
are free, they are attached to a long tube that surrounds
the ovary. The tube is formed from the floral disc and
superficially resembles a fused calyx. |
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University of Tasmania
