Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) Raven - Mexican PrimroseWillow
Family - Onagraceae
Stems:
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
N/A
Flowers:
Flowering - February - December.
Habitat - Marshes, lake and pond margins.
Origin - Native to North and Central America.
Other information - This species can be found in just two southern Alabama counties. The plant can be identified by its habitat, woody stems, lanceolate leaves, 8 stamens, 4 petals and sepals, long hypanthium, and short pedicel.
The genus name Ludwigia is given in honor of Christian Gottlieb Ludwig (1709-1773). Ludwig was professor of Botany at the University of Leipzig in Germany. The University was founded in 1409 and is still in operation today with almost 30,000 students.
The species epithet octovalvis derives from the Latin "oct(o)(i)" meaning "eight" and "valv" meaning "a folding door, a valve" referring to the eight valves of the fruit.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken in Winter Haven, FL., 4-14-06.