Lysimachia

Taxobox
name = "Lysimachia"

---

image_width = 250px
image_caption = Yellow pimpernel, "Lysimachia nemorum"
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Ericales
familia = Myrsinaceae
genus = "Lysimachia"
genus_authority = L.
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = include:
"Lysimachia nemorum" (yellow pimpernel)
"Lysimachia nummularia" (creeping Jenny)
"Lysimachia vulgaris" (yellow loosestrife)

"Lysimachia" is a genus of flowering plants. It is traditionally classified in the family Primulaceae but should, according to molecular phylogenetic study, be placed to the family Myrsinaceae [Cite journal |quotes=no |author=M. Källersjö, G. Bergqvist & A. A. Anderberg |year=2000 |title=Generic realignment in primuloid families of the Ericales s. l.: a phylogenetic analysis based on DNA sequences from three chloroplast genes and morphology |journal=American Journal of Botany |volume=87 |issue=9 |pages=1325–1341 |doi=10.2307/2656725] .

Characteristics

"Lysimachia" species often have yellow flowers, and grow vigorously. They tend to grow in damp conditions. Several species within "Lysimachia" are commonly called loosestrife, although this name is also used for plants within the genus "Lythrum".

"Lysimachia" species are used as food plants by the larvae of some butterflies and moths, including the Dot Moth, Grey Pug, Lime-speck Pug, Small Angle Shades and V-pug.

elected species

Species within the genus include:
*"Lysimachia atropurpurea" (purple gooseneck loosetrife)
*"Lysimachia ciliata" (fringed loosestrife)
*"Lysimachia clethroides" (gooseneck loosestrife) — a hardy perennial resembling a tall Speedwell and growing up to 3 feet (1 metre). Flowers from July on to September. Grows best in deep, rich loam in a sheltered position.
*"Lysimachia fraseri" (Fraser's yellow loosestrife, endangered)
*"Lysimachia minoricensis"
*"Lysimachia nemorum" (yellow pimpernel)
*"Lysimachia nummularia" (creeping Jenny or moneywort) — extremely hardy, and easy to cultivate. The plants needs control, every piece of the creeping root will, if taken off, make a fresh plant. It spreads vigorously and can become a weed.
*"Lysimachia punctata" (spotted loosestrife)
*"Lysimachia sertulata" (Chilean melilukul)
*"Lysimachia quadrifolia" (whorled loosestrife)
*"Lysimachia terrestris" (swamp candles)
*"Lysimachia vulgaris" (garden or yellow loosestrife)

References

External links

* [http://lakecounty.typepad.com/life_in_lake_county/2007/08/lysimachus-dog-.html Lysimachus' Dog & Nisaean Horses] - Informative but non-scholarly essay on Lysimachia & Lysimachus (Annotated with Sources).
*Pictures of [http://www.chilebosque.cl/herb/lysimachia_sertulata.html Lysimachia sertulata] .