Lythrum - Water-purslane and Purple-loosestrife

Lythrum portula Water-purslane is a procumbent annual with a green, pinkish stem to 25cm. It roots at nodes, the opposite leaves have short petiole and are obovate. The small purplish flowers (1mm) have none to six petals and are in each leaf axil. It is found in mud, damp bare ground or in water.

Lythrum salicaria Purple-loosestrife is a tall perennial to 2m, with lanceolate leaves - all opposite or whorled. Flowers with purple petals 8-10mm are clustered in whorls and has 12 stamens which are arranged in three types with different length of styles and stamens as noted by Charles Darwin in 1865. Along the margins of rivers and lakes.