LOOSESTRIFE FAMILY 



179 



or 12; style short; capsule 2-chambered, 2-valved, many-seeded. 

 (Name from the Greek pepHon^ purslane, not originally referring 

 to this genus.) 



I. P. Portula (\\ ater Purslane). — x\ humble, glabrous, cre^p- 



'6plis portula [Water Purslane). 



LYTHRUiM SALiCARiA {Purple Loosestri/e). 



ing, aquatic plant, with 4-angled slems : opposite, obovate, obtuse 

 leaves ; and inconspicuous, solitary, axillary flowers. — Wet places 

 common. The plant is usually tinged with red, especially when 

 the ground in which it grows drie up. — Fl. July, August. Annual, 



2. Lythrum (Purple Loosestrife). — Herbs or shrubs with 

 4-angled branches ; entire leaves ^ flowers \\\ spikes of axillary i- or 



N 2 



