Family: Lythraceae
Author: Salzm. ex Spreng.
Bibliography: Syst. Veg. 4(2): 190 (1827)
Year: 1827
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lythrum
Vegetable: False
Observations: EC. & S. Europe to C. Asia and Afghanistan, N. Africa
Description
Threebract loosestrife, scientifically known as Lythrum tribracteatum, is a captivating member of the Lythraceae family. Documented first in 1827, in the “Systema Vegetabilium”, 4th edition, part 2, on page 190 by the botanist Salzm. ex Spreng., this plant is a notable species with a widespread geographic distribution.
Geographical Spread and Habitat:
Lythrum tribracteatum has a remarkably extensive natural range, found across diverse regions including Eastern and Southern Europe, Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Northern Africa. This widespread distribution signifies its adaptability to various climatic and ecological conditions, allowing it to thrive in a wide array of habitats.
Morphological Features:
The Threebract loosestrife is named for its distinctive floral characteristic – the presence of three bracts. The bracts are specialized leaf-like structures that are usually smaller than the true leaves and found at the base of the flower or flower cluster. This feature, along with its placement within the Lythraceae family, classifies it within a unique subset of plants that often share common growth patterns and aesthetic qualities.
Ecological Significance:
Threebract loosestrife plays a significant role in its native ecosystems. Typically found in wet to semi-wet habitats, it may contribute to the stabilization of soil and provide habitat and nourishment for various insect species, supporting local biodiversities. Its presence in both Europe and Asia illustrates a degree of ecological resilience and highlights its significance in regional flora.
Cultural and Horticultural Relevance:
While not the most commonly cultivated garden plant, Lythrum tribracteatum can still be of interest in horticultural circles for those specializing in native plants or wildflower assemblages. The plant may also hold cultural significance in areas where it naturally occurs, forming part of the local botanical heritage.
Conservation Status:
Given its broad regional presence, there are currently no significant conservation concerns for Lythrum tribracteatum. However, it’s important to monitor any potential threats from habitat destruction, climate change, or competition with invasive species, ensuring this resilient plant continues to flourish across its native ranges.
Threebract loosestrife, with its historical documentation and ecological versatility, remains a fascinating subject for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike, illustrating the intricate beauty and adaptability of the natural world.
Common Names
Eng: threebract loosestrife
Spa: alheli silvestre
Fra: lythrum à ttrois bractées
Ita: salcerella con due brattee
Tur: üç aklarotu
En: Threebract loosestrife
Fr: Lythrum à Ttrois Bractées, Lythrum à trois bractées, Salicaire à trois bractées, Lythrum de Salzmann
He: שנית שוות-שיניים
It: Salcerella con Due Brattee
Es: Alheli Silvestre
Tr: Üç aklarotu
Synonyms
- Lythrum tribracteatum var. salzmannii ((Jord.) Koehne)
- Lythrum tribracteatum var. candollei (Koehne)
- Lythrum bibracteatum (Gren. & Godr.)
- Lythrum sophiae (Klokov)
- Lythrum dibracteatum (Guss.)
- Lythrum salzmannii f. nana (Willk.)
- Lythrum microphyllum (Kar. & Kir.)
- Lythrum tribracteatum var. cuneifolium (Ten.)
- Lythrum salzmannii (Jord.)
- Lythrum tribracteatum var. majus ((DC.) Maire)
- Lythrum thymifolia var. majus (DC.)
- Lythrum nanum (Nyman)
Distribution
- Afghanistan (native)
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Cyprus (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- Egypt (native)
- France (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Iran (native)
- Iraq (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Krym (native)
- Libya (native)
- Morocco (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Romania (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Spain (native)
- Tadzhikistan (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Turkmenistan (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Uzbekistan (native)
- California (introduced)
- Idaho (introduced)
- Nevada (introduced)
- Oregon (introduced)
- Utah (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken May 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 22, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 19, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Sep 3, 1872 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 4, 1886 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Sep 19, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 26, 2022 by Maarten baaijens (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 10, 2014 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Aug 10, 2014 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:553824-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3188749)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lythrum tribracteatum Salzm. ex Spreng.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth
Ph maximum: 5.5
Ph minimum: 5.0
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 7
Soil nutriments: 3