About Lythrum portula (L.) D.A.Webb
Scientific Classification and Naming
Lythrum portula (L.) D.A.Webb is a species of flowering plant in the loosestrife family. It has two common names: water-purslane and spatulaleaf loosestrife.
Native and Introduced Range
The species is native to Europe, and has become an introduced species in parts of western North America.
Habitat
It commonly grows in moist habitats, including marshes.
Growth Form
This plant is a prostrate annual herb. It produces a hairless, reddish stem that can reach up to 25 centimeters long. The stem lies along the ground, and roots where its nodes touch wet earth.
Leaf Characteristics
Its leaves are slightly fleshy, spoon-shaped, around one centimeter long, and range in color from greenish to reddish.
Flower Arrangement
Solitary flowers grow in the axils of the leaves.
Flower Appearance
Most flowers have white or pink petals around one millimeter long, but some flowers do not have any petals.
Fruit and Seeds
The fruit the plant produces is a spherical capsule that holds very small seeds.
