160 FALSE LOOSESTRIFE 



steins which bear a few inconspicuous axillary flowers near 

 the ends of the branches. 



The flowers of the more noticeable L. virgata drop their 

 petals the moment the plant is touched. In winter the 

 leafless stems bearing little box-like seedpods are often 

 found near those of the meadow beauties with their urn- 

 shaped capsules. 



Ludwigiantha arcuata, sl somewhat purslane-like creep- 

 ing plant of wet grounds, is sometimes included in this 

 genus. 



Ludwigia virgata. Flowers yellow, about 1 in. across, in 

 wand-like racemes. Sepals 4, petals 4, stamens usually 4. 

 Capsule cubic, small. Stems slender, 1-4 ft. tall. Leaves 

 narrow, 1-4 in. long. Low grounds. Blooming from late 

 winter to fall. Fla. to N. C. and La. 



Ludwigiantha arcuata. Flowers yellow, about V2 in. across, 

 on slender stalks from leaf-axils. Sepals 4, petals 4, stamens 

 4. Capsule small, slightly curved. Stems creeping, 4-15 in. 

 long. Leaves opposite, smooth, rather narrow, 1 in. long 

 or less. Wet shores and swamps. Blooming chiefly from 

 spring to fall. Fla. to Ya. 



Gaura (Genus Gaura) 



An exception to the usual yellow of Florida flowers 

 of this family is shown in gaura, which blooms in long, 

 slender spikes of small flowers whose narrow petals are 

 tinged with pink. This genus is peculiar in its little nut- 

 like, angled fruit, which does not split open as do the 

 capsules of our other genera. 



Gaura angustifolia. Flowers white or pink, about V2 in. 

 across, in wand-like spikes. Sepals and petals 3 or 4 each, 

 stamens 6-8. Fruit small, minutely hairy. Plants 2-4 ft. 

 tall. Leaves alternate, narrow, 1-3 in. long, toothed or nearly 

 entire. Dry soil. Blooming from spring to fall. Fla. to 

 N. C. 



Gaura Bimnlans. Similar to above, but fruit is smooth. 

 South Fla. 



