Peruvian primrose-willow (Ludwigia peruviana, J. Jap. Bot. 28: 293 (1953))

Family: Onagraceae

Author: (L.) H.Hara

Bibliography: J. Jap. Bot. 28: 293 (1953)

Year: 1953

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ludwigia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: S. Mexico to Trop. America

Description

The Peruvian primrose-willow, known scientifically as Ludwigia peruviana, is a notable species within the family Onagraceae. First described in botanical literature by H. Hara in 1953, this plant is recorded in J. Jap. Bot. 28: 293 under his authorship.

Recognized for its attractive appearance, Ludwigia peruviana boasts vibrant yellow flowers that bloom predominantly during the summer months. The plant’s broad distribution spans from Southern Mexico to Tropical America, showcasing its adaptability to varied tropical climates.

The Peruvian primrose-willow typically thrives in wetland habitats, including marshes, along the edges of streams, and in other moist, riparian environments. Its preference for such humid conditions makes it a key species in maintaining the biodiversity and structural integrity of these ecosystems. Often seen in dense colonies, this perennial plant can grow quite tall, reaching up to 2 meters, and features lanceolate leaves that are arranged alternately along the stem. Its capability to form extensive root systems helps in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion in its native habitats.

Ludwigia peruviana plays a significant ecological role by providing habitat and food for various aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. The plant’s flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for the health of tropical ecosystems.

Despite its ecological benefits, it is worth noting that in regions outside its native range, Ludwigia peruviana can become invasive, potentially outcompeting local flora and disrupting aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, management strategies are crucial in areas where it poses a risk to biodiversity.

In summary, the Peruvian primrose-willow is a fascinating and important plant species with a significant presence in its native tropical regions. Its aesthetic appeal and ecological importance make it a plant of interest both for botanists and environmentalists.

Common Names

Eng: peruvian primrose-willow, peruvian primrosebush, primrose-willow, water-primrose
Swe: videludwigia
En: Peruvian primrose-willow, Peruvian primrosebush, Primrose-willow, Water-primrose
Sv: Videludwigia

Synonyms

• Jussiaea mollis (Kunth)
• Ludwigia peruviana var. glaberrima ((Donn.Sm.) Alain)
• Jussiaea hirta (Lam.)
• Sphaerostigma minimum (Heynh.)
• Jussiaea sprengeri (L.H.Bailey)
• Ludwigia hirta ((Vahl) M.Gómez)
• Jussiaea speciosa (Ridl.)
• Jussiaea peruviana var. australis (Hassl.)
• Jussiaea peruviana f. hirsuta (Hassl.)
• Jussiaea peruviana var. hassleriana ((Chodat) H.Lév.)
• Jussiaea macrocarpa (Kunth)
• Jussiaea peruviana var. glaberrima (Donn.Sm.)
• Jussiaea peruviana var. typica (Munz)
• Jussiaea peruviana (L.)
• Jussiaea peruviana var. macrocarpa ((Kunth) Bertoni)
• Jussiaea peruviana f. tomentosa (Hassl.)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Andaman Is. (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• Borneo (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Sumatera (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Thailand (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Nov 29, 2022 by Nikolas Dierka (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 12, 2022 by khkplants (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2022 by Ariel Aguirre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2022 by matthew maudsley (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 25, 2022 by אוֹמֶגָה אוֹמֶגָה (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2022 by khkplants (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2022 by Nikolas Dierka (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2022 by Eric Gaba (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by dude sailaway (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5421024)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:144406-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ludwigia peruviana (L.) H.Hara)

Specifications

Growth