Lythrum salicaria
 
Purple Loosestrife

Flower Top

Regina
19-Aug-2014

There are three types of flowers, those on different plants differing in the relative lengths of the long stamens, short stamens and style.  Only one type is currently depicted on this web site.  Note the crumpled petals.

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Lythraceae: Answers to key questions in Budd's Flora leading to this family. 
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herbs; NOT [shrubs or trees]

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terrestrial plants; NOT [mud plants], NOT [plants aquatic, leaves submerged or floating]

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plants not with colored milky juice

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plants with more than one normal leaf

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leaves opposite, whorled, or basal; NOT [some or all leaves alternate]

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plants without large petal-like bracts; NOT [plants with an involucre of 4 petal-like bracts]

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flowers with two floral rings

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flowers with each petal distinct from the others

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petals 4 or 6; NOT [petals 5]

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stamens 12; NOT [stamens 10]

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styles single; NOT [styles 2 or more]

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ovary superior; NOT [ovary inferior]