Ludwigia palustris
Introduction '''''Ludwigia palustris''''' is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family known by the common names '''marsh seedbox''', '''Hampshire-purslane''' and '''water purslane'''. This is an aquatic or semiaquatic perennial herb which grows in moist to wet to flooded areas. It is sometimes a weed. The species epithet ''palustris'' is Latin for "of the marsh" and indicates its common habitat.
Description The stem is up to half a meter (20 in) long and spreads to form mats on the mud, rooting at nodes in contact with the substrate, or floats ascending in the water. The leaves are oppositely arranged and green to red or purple in color. Solitary flowers appear in leaf axils. They are made up of tiny green sepals and no petals. They yield small capsular fruits containing many minute seeds.
Distribution Its native distribution is unclear, but includes parts of the Americas; it can be found on most continents and spreads easily to become naturalized. It is also cultivated as an aquarium plant. It was identified in England in 1827.
References
External links * Jepson Manual Treatment* Missouri Plants Photo Profile* Illinois Wildflowers* VT Weed Identification* Photo gallery