Lythraceae J. Saint-Hilaire. Common name: Loosestrife Family.
A family of about 27-35 genera and about 600 species, herbs, shrubs, and trees, primarily tropical (a few warm temperate). Keys adapted, in large part, from Graham (1975).
ID notes: Plants in the Lythraceae typically have leaves with entire margins (except Trapa), stems often 4-angled (at least on younger stems), axillary glands present at the junction of the petiole base and stem, conspicuously undulate petals, a persistent hypanthium, and fruits as capsules (except berries in Punica and horned drupes in Trapa).
References: Graham (1975); Graham In Kubitzki, Bayer, & Stevens (2007). Show full citations.
Hover over a shape, letter, icon, or arrow on the map for definition or see the legend. Data for arrows not developed for genera and families which may have species only occurring outside the flora area.











Feedback
See something wrong or missing on about Lythraceae? Let us know here: (Please include your name and email if at all complicated so we can clarify if needed.) We greatly appreciate feedback, and will include updates from you in our next webapp update, which can take a few months.