Ludwigia alternifolia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Ludwigia alternifolia | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Onagraceae |
| Genus: | Ludwigia |
| Species: | L. alternifolia |
| Binomial name | |
| Ludwigia alternifolia | |
| Synonyms[3] | |
| |
Ludwigia alternifolia, commonly known as seedbox,[4] bushy seedbox,[2] rattlebox,[5] and square-pod water-primrose,[6] is a herbaceous perennial plant of the family Onagraceae (evening primrose family).[7] It is native to central and eastern North America, growing in marshes, wet meadows, and swamps. It has yellow, four-petaled flowers and brown seed pods that are shaped like a cube.
Ludwigia alternifolia grows 2–3 feet (61–91 cm) tall on reddish-tinged stems. Leaves are deep green, sharply-pointed, and lance-shaped.[5] They are arranged alternately on the stem and are 1.25–4 in (3–10 cm) long and 0.25–0.75 in (1–2 cm) across. The margins are smooth and sometimes slightly ciliate or reddish. The leaves either have short petioles or are sessile.[8]
Flowers are usually single, growing from the leaf axils on upper leaves. They have four yellow petals and four light green sepals.[9] The mature fruits are brown, cubic capsules with rigid sides, about 0.25 in (0.6 cm) in length.[8]
.jpg)