Rose loosestrife (Lythrum junceum, A.Russell, Nat. Hist. Aleppo, ed. 2, 2: 253 (1794))

Family: Lythraceae

Author: Banks & Sol.

Bibliography: A.Russell, Nat. Hist. Aleppo, ed. 2, 2: 253 (1794)

Year: 1794

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lythrum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Medit. to S. Iran, Australia

Description

Rose loosestrife, scientifically known as Lythrum junceum, is a captivating member of the Lythraceae family. First described by Banks & Sol. in the second edition of “Natural History of Aleppo” by A. Russell in 1794, this plant has a rich botanical history that has been studied for centuries.

This species holds a broad geographical presence. It can be found thriving in regions from Macaronesia and the Mediterranean all the way to Southern Iran, as well as various parts of Australia. The adaptability of rose loosestrife to diverse climates showcases its resilience and the ecological niche it occupies across these different areas.

Rose loosestrife is known for its beautiful, often strikingly vibrant flowers that can bring a splash of color to any landscape. Its aesthetic appeal, coupled with its extensive range, has made it a subject of interest not only to botanists but also to gardeners and naturalists alike.

The plant’s ecological importance is significant, as it provides habitat and food for various pollinators, thus contributing to the biodiversity of the regions where it grows. Its presence in varied habitats across the globe also speaks to its versatility and adaptability.

In sum, Lythrum junceum is not just a plant but a testament to nature’s beauty and resilience. Its wide distribution from Macaronesia to Southern Iran and Australia demonstrates its robust nature and the essential role it plays in its respective ecosystems.

Common Names

Deu: binsen-blutweiderich, binsen-weiderich
Eng: false grass-poly
Spa: litroarroyuelo florido
Dan: smal kattehale
Nld: kruipkattenstaart
Swe: småfackelblomster
Cym: ffug-wyarllys
Ita: salcerella meridionale
Fra: salicaire jonc
Tur: sivri aklarotu
En: Rose loosestrife, False Grass-poly
Ca: Lítrum junci
Da: Smal kattehale
Nl: Kruipkattenstaart, Kruipkattestaart
Fr: Salicaire jonc, Salicaire-jonc, Lythrum de Graeffer, Lythrum faux jonc
De: Kriechender Weiderich, Binsen-Blutweiderich, Binsen-Weiderich, Sparriger Weiderich
He: שנית מתפתלת
It: Salcerella Meridionale
Es: Litroarroyuelo florido
Sv: Småfackelblomster
Tr: Sivri aklarotu
Cy: Ffug-Wyarllys

Synonyms

• Lythrum acutangulum f. longistyla (Willk. & Lange)
• Lythrum acutangulum f. mediostyla (Willk. & Lange)
• Lythrum acutangulum f. brevistyla (Willk. & Lange)
• Lythrum meonanthum (Link ex Steud.)
• Lythrum graefferi f. album (P.Silva)
• Lythrum lineare (Tornab.)
• Lythrum graefferi (Ten.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• South Australia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Victoria (native)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 5, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Tatiana de Bernardis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2021 by Erika Huttner (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2021 by Carlos López Bernaldez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (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.

Habit

Taken May 19, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 21, 2016 by Jose Luis Romero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2021 by Curcó Antoni (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 10, 2019 by mireille thibaukt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 15, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 2, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3988701)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:553740-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lythrum junceum Banks & Sol.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]

Soil nutriments: 6