288 Species in Genus Lysimachia

Lysimachia: A Personal Exploration of a Diverse Genus

As a plant enthusiast, I’m always eager to delve deeper into the fascinating world of botany. Recently, my attention was captured by the genus Lysimachia, a diverse group of flowering plants with a rich history and a wide array of captivating forms. Join me, Ferb Vu, as we embark on a journey to explore the intricacies of this remarkable genus.

A Brief Overview of Lysimachia

Lysimachia, a member of the primrose family (Primulaceae), encompasses a vast array of approximately 288 species. These plants are predominantly herbaceous perennials, though a few species exhibit shrub-like characteristics. They are widespread across the globe, gracing a variety of habitats, from damp woodlands and meadows to the edges of tranquil streams and ponds.

One of the most striking features of Lysimachia is their vibrant flowers. Typically boasting five petals, these blossoms come in a spectrum of colors, with yellow being the most prevalent. However, delicate shades of white, pink, and purple also adorn certain species. The flowers often cluster in eye-catching racemes or panicles, creating a spectacle of color that enchants any observer.

The foliage of Lysimachia is equally diverse, ranging from simple and lance-shaped to rounded and heart-shaped. Some species even exhibit variegated patterns, adding another layer of visual interest to these already captivating plants.

Delving into the Species

The sheer diversity within the genus Lysimachia is truly astounding:

  1. Lysimachia abscondita R.Trevis., Funez & Hassemer
  2. Lysimachia acroadenia Maxim.
  3. Lysimachia acuminata (Welw. ex Schinz) U.Manns & Anderb.
  4. Lysimachia adoensis (Kunze) Klatt
  5. Lysimachia albescens Franch.
  6. Lysimachia alfredi Hance
  7. Lysimachia alpestris Champ. ex Benth.
  8. Lysimachia alternifolia Wall.
  9. Lysimachia amoena (Sol. ex Gaertn.) Hassemer, Funez & R.Trevis.
  10. Lysimachia andina Sandwith
  11. Lysimachia angustiloba (Engl.) U.Manns & Anderb.
  12. Lysimachia arvensis (L.) U.Manns & Anderb.
  13. Lysimachia aspera Hand.-Mazz.
  14. Lysimachia asperulifolia Poir.
  15. Lysimachia assamica C.M.Hu
  16. Lysimachia atropurpurea L.
  17. Lysimachia auriculata Hemsl.
  18. Lysimachia azorica Hook.
  19. Lysimachia baoxingensis (F.H.Chen & C.M.Hu) C.M.Hu
  20. Lysimachia barbata (P.Taylor) U.Manns & Anderb.
  21. Lysimachia barystachys Bunge
  22. Lysimachia baviensis C.M.Hu
  23. Lysimachia biflora C.Y.Wu
  24. Lysimachia borealis (Raf.) U.Manns & Anderb.
  25. Lysimachia brachyandra F.H.Chen & C.M.Hu
  26. Lysimachia brevianthera Xin W.Li
  27. Lysimachia breviflora C.M.Hu
  28. Lysimachia brevipes (P.Taylor) U.Manns & Anderb.
  29. Lysimachia brittenii R.Knuth
  30. Lysimachia caloneura G.Hao, X.L.Yu & A.Liu
  31. Lysimachia campestris Funez, Hassemer & R.Trevis.
  32. Lysimachia candida Lindl.
  33. Lysimachia capillipes Hemsl.
  34. Lysimachia carinata Y.I.Fang & C.Z.Cheng
  35. Lysimachia catharinensis R.Trevis., Funez & Hassemer
  36. Lysimachia cauliflora C.Y.Wu
  37. Lysimachia cavicola You Nong & Y.G.Wen
  38. Lysimachia chapaensis Merr.
  39. Lysimachia chekiangensis C.C.Wu
  40. Lysimachia chenii C.M.Hu
  41. Lysimachia chenopodioides Watt ex Hook.f.
  42. Lysimachia chiminghui Kottaim.
  43. Lysimachia chingshuiensis C.I Peng & C.M.Hu
  44. Lysimachia christinae Hance
  45. Lysimachia chungdienensis C.Y.Wu
  46. Lysimachia ciliata L.
  47. Lysimachia circaeoides Hemsl.
  48. Lysimachia clethroides Duby
  49. Lysimachia collina (Schousb.) F.J.Jiménez
  50. Lysimachia × commixta Fernald
  51. Lysimachia congestiflora Hemsl.
  52. Lysimachia cordifolia Hand.-Mazz.
  53. Lysimachia coriacea S.R.Yi & H.F.Yan
  54. Lysimachia cousiniana Coss.
  55. Lysimachia crassifolia C.Z.Gao & D.Fang
  56. Lysimachia crispidens (Hance) Hemsl.
  57. Lysimachia crista-galli Pamp. ex Hand.-Mazz.
  58. Lysimachia cubangensis U.Manns & Anderb.
  59. Lysimachia dabieshanensis Kun Liu & S.B.Zhou
  60. Lysimachia daphnoides (A.Gray) Hillebr.
  61. Lysimachia daqiaoensis G.D.Tang & R.Z.Huang
  62. Lysimachia davurica Ledeb.
  63. Lysimachia debilis Wall.
  64. Lysimachia decurrens G.Forst.
  65. Lysimachia delavayi Franch.
  66. Lysimachia deltoidea Wight
  67. Lysimachia dextrorsiflora X.P.Zhang, X.H.Guo & J.W.Shao
  68. Lysimachia djalonis (A.Chev.) U.Manns & Anderb.
  69. Lysimachia × doerfleri (Ronniger) Stace
  70. Lysimachia drynarifolia Franch.
  71. Lysimachia dubia Aiton
  72. Lysimachia dushanensis F.H.Chen & C.M.Hu
  73. Lysimachia elegantula (P.Taylor) U.Manns & Anderb.
  74. Lysimachia engleri R.Knuth
  75. Lysimachia ephemerum L.
  76. Lysimachia erosipetala F.H.Chen & C.M.Hu
  77. Lysimachia esquirolii Bonati
  78. Lysimachia europaea (L.) U.Manns & Anderb.
  79. Lysimachia evalvis Wall.
  80. Lysimachia excisa Hand.-Mazz.
  81. Lysimachia fanii Y.Feng Huang, W.B.Xu & L.N.Dong
  82. Lysimachia fenghwaiana G.Hao & H.F.Yan
  83. Lysimachia filifolia C.N.Forbes & Lydgate
  84. Lysimachia filiformis (Cham. & Schltdl.) U.Manns & Anderb.
  85. Lysimachia filipes C.Z.Gao & D.Fang
  86. Lysimachia fistulosa Hand.-Mazz.
  87. Lysimachia fletcheri C.M.Hu & Bennell
  88. Lysimachia foemina (Mill.) U.Manns & Anderb.
  89. Lysimachia foenum-graecum Hance
  90. Lysimachia fooningensis C.Y.Wu
  91. Lysimachia forbesii Rock
  92. Lysimachia fordiana Oliv.
  93. Lysimachia fortunei Maxim.
  94. Lysimachia fraseri Duby
  95. Lysimachia fukienensis Hand.-Mazz.
  96. Lysimachia glanduliflora Hanelt
  97. Lysimachia glaucina Franch.
  98. Lysimachia glutinosa Rock
  99. Lysimachia gracilipes (P.Taylor) U.Manns & Anderb.
  100. Lysimachia graminea (Greene) Hand.-Mazz.
  101. Lysimachia grammica Hance
  102. Lysimachia hemsleyana Maxim. ex Oliv.
  103. Lysimachia hemsleyi Franch.
  104. Lysimachia henryi Hemsl.
  105. Lysimachia heterobotrys F.H.Chen & C.M.Hu
  106. Lysimachia heterogenea Klatt
  107. Lysimachia hexamera (P.Taylor) U.Manns & Anderb.
  108. Lysimachia hillebrandii Hook.f. ex A.Gray
  109. Lysimachia huangsangensis J.J.Zhou, X.L.Yu & Y.F.Deng
  110. Lysimachia huchimingii G.Hao & H.F.Yan
  111. Lysimachia huitsunae S.S.Chien
  112. Lysimachia huttonii (Harv.) U.Manns & Anderb.
  113. Lysimachia hybrida Michx.
  114. Lysimachia hypericoides Hemsl.
  115. Lysimachia inaperta C.M.Hu & F.N.Wei
  116. Lysimachia iniki K.L.Marr
  117. Lysimachia insignis Hemsl.
  118. Lysimachia interjacens C.M.Hu & Bennell
  119. Lysimachia × intermedia (Giraudias) B.Bock
  120. Lysimachia japonica Thunb.
  121. Lysimachia jiangxiensis C.M.Hu
  122. Lysimachia jingdongensis F.H.Chen & C.M.Hu
  123. Lysimachia jinzhaiensis S.B.Zhou & Kun Liu
  124. Lysimachia kalalauensis Skottsb.
  125. Lysimachia kingaensis (Engl.) U.Manns & Anderb.
  126. Lysimachia klattiana Hance
  127. Lysimachia kochii (H.E.Hess) U.Manns & Anderb.
  128. Lysimachia kraduengensis Julius, Naiki & Tagane
  129. Lysimachia kwangtungensis (Hand.-Mazz.) C.M.Hu
  130. Lysimachia lanceola (Baudo) Hassemer, Funez & R.Trevis.
  131. Lysimachia lanceolata Walter
  132. Lysimachia lancifolia Craib
  133. Lysimachia latifolia (Hook.) Cholewa
  134. Lysimachia laxa Baudo
  135. Lysimachia leschenaultii Duby
  136. Lysimachia leucantha Miq.
  137. Lysimachia lewisii D.Estes, J.T.Shaw & Maus.-Moon.
  138. Lysimachia lichiangensis Forrest
  139. Lysimachia linearifolia Griff. ex Kurz
  140. Lysimachia linguiensis C.Z.Gao
  141. Lysimachia linum-stellatum L.
  142. Lysimachia liui S.S.Chien
  143. Lysimachia liujiangensis W.B.Xu, Z.C.Lu & L.N.Dong
  144. Lysimachia liukiuensis Hatus.
  145. Lysimachia lobelioides Wall.
  146. Lysimachia loeflingii F.J.Jiménez & M.Talavera
  147. Lysimachia longipes Hemsl.
  148. Lysimachia longshengensis G.Z.Li & S.C.Tang
  149. Lysimachia loomisii Torr.
  150. Lysimachia lychnoides F.H.Chen & C.M.Hu
  151. Lysimachia lydgatei Hillebr.
  152. Lysimachia maritima (L.) Galasso, Banfi & Soldano
  153. Lysimachia mauritiana Lam.
  154. Lysimachia medogensis F.H.Chen & C.M.Hu
  155. Lysimachia melampyroides R.Knuth
  156. Lysimachia mexicana R.Knuth
  157. Lysimachia microcarpa Hand.-Mazz. ex C.Y.Wu
  158. Lysimachia millietii (H.Lév.) Hand.-Mazz.
  159. Lysimachia minima (L.) U.Manns & Anderb.
  160. Lysimachia minoricensis J.J.Rodr.
  161. Lysimachia miyiensis Y.I.Fang & C.Z.Cheng
  162. Lysimachia monelli (L.) U.Manns & Anderb.
  163. Lysimachia montana (Reinw.) Bakh.f.
  164. Lysimachia nanchuanensis C.Y.Wu
  165. Lysimachia nanpingensis F.H.Chen & C.M.Hu
  166. Lysimachia navillei (H.Lév.) Hand.-Mazz.
  167. Lysimachia nemorum L.
  168. Lysimachia neolongipedicellata Idrees & J.M.H.Shaw
  169. Lysimachia nigropunctata Masam.
  170. Lysimachia nummularia L.
  171. Lysimachia nummulariifolia (Baker) U.Manns & Anderb.
  172. Lysimachia nutans Nees ex Duby
  173. Lysimachia nutantiflora F.H.Chen & C.M.Hu
  174. Lysimachia ohsumiensis H.Hara
  175. Lysimachia oligantha (P.Taylor) U.Manns & Anderb.
  176. Lysimachia omeiensis Hemsl.
  177. Lysimachia ophelioides Hemsl.
  178. Lysimachia oppositifolia H.R.Fletcher
  179. Lysimachia orbicularis F.H.Chen & C.M.Hu
  180. Lysimachia otophora C.Y.Wu
  181. Lysimachia ovalis (Ruiz & Pav.) U.Manns & Anderb.
  182. Lysimachia ovatifolia W.L.Sha
  183. Lysimachia pacifica F.Muell.
  184. Lysimachia paridiformis Franch.
  185. Lysimachia parvifolia Hemsl.
  186. Lysimachia parvula Funez, Hassemer & R.Trevis.
  187. Lysimachia patungensis Hand.-Mazz.
  188. Lysimachia peduncularis Wall. ex Kurz
  189. Lysimachia pendens K.L.Marr
  190. Lysimachia pentapetala Bunge
  191. Lysimachia peploides (Baker) U.Manns & Anderb.
  192. Lysimachia perfoliata Hand.-Mazz.
  193. Lysimachia petelotii Merr.
  194. Lysimachia phyllocephala Hand.-Mazz.
  195. Lysimachia physaloides C.Y.Wu & C.Chen
  196. Lysimachia × pilophora (Honda) Honda
  197. Lysimachia pilosa H.R.Fletcher
  198. Lysimachia pittosporoides C.Y.Wu
  199. Lysimachia platypetala Franch.
  200. Lysimachia porcatisepala S.R.Yi
  201. Lysimachia × producta (A.Gray) Fernald
  202. Lysimachia prolifera Klatt
  203. Lysimachia pseudohenryi Pamp.
  204. Lysimachia pseudotrichopoda Hand.-Mazz.
  205. Lysimachia pterantha Hemsl.
  206. Lysimachia pteranthoides Bonati
  207. Lysimachia pumila (Baudo) Franch.
  208. Lysimachia punctata L. Plant FAQs: Lysimachia Punctata
  209. Lysimachia punctatilimba C.Y.Wu
  210. Lysimachia pyramidalis Wall.
  211. Lysimachia qimenensis X.H.Guo, X.P.Zhang & J.W.Shao
  212. Lysimachia quadriflora Sims
  213. Lysimachia quadrifolia L.
  214. Lysimachia racemiflora Bonati
  215. Lysimachia × radfordii H.E.Ahles
  216. Lysimachia radicans Hook.
  217. Lysimachia rapensis F.Br.
  218. Lysimachia ravenii C.I Peng
  219. Lysimachia reflexiloba Hand.-Mazz.
  220. Lysimachia remota Petitm.
  221. Lysimachia remotiflora C.M.Hu
  222. Lysimachia remyi Hillebr.
  223. Lysimachia rhodesica (R.E.Fr.) U.Manns & Anderb.
  224. Lysimachia robusta Hand.-Mazz.
  225. Lysimachia roseola F.H.Chen & C.M.Hu
  226. Lysimachia rubiginosa Hemsl.
  227. Lysimachia rubinervis F.H.Chen & C.M.Hu
  228. Lysimachia rubricaulis (Duby) U.Manns & Anderb.
  229. Lysimachia ruhmeriana Vatke
  230. Lysimachia rupestris F.H.Chen & C.M.Hu
  231. Lysimachia santapaui Subba Rao & Halim
  232. Lysimachia savranii Başköse & A.Keskin
  233. Lysimachia saxicola Chun & F.Chun
  234. Lysimachia scapiflora C.M.Hu, Z.R.Xu & F.P.Chen
  235. Lysimachia schliebenii (R.Knuth & Mildbr.) U.Manns & Anderb.
  236. Lysimachia sciadantha C.Y.Wu
  237. Lysimachia sciadophylla F.H.Chen & C.M.Hu
  238. Lysimachia scopulensis K.L.Marr
  239. Lysimachia septemfida Ze H.Wang & E.D.Liu
  240. Lysimachia serpens (Hochst. ex Duby) U.Manns & Anderb.
  241. Lysimachia serpyllifolia Schreb.
  242. Lysimachia sertulata Baudo
  243. Lysimachia shimianensis F.H.Chen & C.M.Hu
  244. Lysimachia siamensis Bonati
  245. Lysimachia sikokiana Miq.
  246. Lysimachia silvestrii (Pamp.) Hand.-Mazz.
  247. Lysimachia simulans Hemsl.
  248. Lysimachia sinopilosa C.M.Hu & G.Hao
  249. Lysimachia stellarioides Hand.-Mazz.
  250. Lysimachia stenosepala Hemsl.
  251. Lysimachia steyermarkii Standl.
  252. Lysimachia stigmatosa F.H.Chen & C.M.Hu
  253. Lysimachia subverticillata C.Y.Wu
  254. Lysimachia sumatranica C.M.Hu
  255. Lysimachia taiwaniana T.Suzuki ex M.T.Kao
  256. Lysimachia talaverae L.Sáez & Aymerich
  257. Lysimachia taliensis Bonati
  258. Lysimachia tashiroi Makino
  259. Lysimachia tenella L.
  260. Lysimachia tengyuehensis Hand.-Mazz.
  261. Lysimachia tenuicaulis (Baker) U.Manns & Anderb.
  262. Lysimachia terrestris (L.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.
  263. Lysimachia thyrsiflora L.
  264. Lysimachia tianmaensis Kun Liu, S.B.Zhou & Ying Wang
  265. Lysimachia tianyangensis D.Fang & C.Z.Gao
  266. Lysimachia tienmushanensis Migo
  267. Lysimachia tonsa (Alph.Wood) R.Knuth
  268. Lysimachia trichopoda Franch.
  269. Lysimachia trifida Aver.
  270. Lysimachia tsaii C.M.Hu
  271. Lysimachia tsaratananae (M.Peltier) U.Manns & Anderb.
  272. Lysimachia tsarongensis Hand.-Mazz.
  273. Lysimachia tyrrhenia U.Manns & Anderb.
  274. Lysimachia venosa (Wawra) H.St.John
  275. Lysimachia verbascifolia C.M.Hu & L.K.Phan
  276. Lysimachia verna (A.St.-Hil.) U.Manns & Anderb.
  277. Lysimachia verticillaris Biehler
  278. Lysimachia vietnamensis L.K.Phan & C.M.Hu
  279. Lysimachia violascens Franch.
  280. Lysimachia vittiformis F.H.Chen & C.M.Hu
  281. Lysimachia volkensii Engl.
  282. Lysimachia volkovae Prob.
  283. Lysimachia vulgaris L.
  284. Lysimachia wildpretii (Valdés) U.Manns & Anderb.
  285. Lysimachia wilsonii Hemsl.
  286. Lysimachia xiangxiensis D.G.Zhang, C.Mou & Y.Wu
  287. Lysimachia xuyongensis X.F.Gao & W.B.Ju
  288. Lysimachia yingdeensis F.H.Chen & C.M.Hu

The Allure of Lysimachia

What is it about Lysimachia that has captivated me so? Perhaps it’s their resilience, their ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. Or maybe it’s their versatility, their adaptability to diverse garden settings. But more than that, I believe it’s their understated elegance, their ability to enhance a landscape without overpowering it.

Lysimachia seamlessly blends into its surroundings, providing a subtle yet impactful presence. Whether cascading over a rock wall, gracing a woodland edge, or adding a pop of color to a border, these plants possess an undeniable charm.

Cultivating Lysimachia

For those eager to invite Lysimachia into their own gardens, here are a few cultivation tips:

  • Soil: Most Lysimachia species prefer moist, well-drained soil. However, some species, like Lysimachia nummularia, can tolerate wet conditions.
  • Light: The majority of Lysimachia thrive in full sun to partial shade. However, some species, such as Lysimachia clethroides, prefer a shadier location.
  • Maintenance: Lysimachia are generally low-maintenance plants. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage repeat blooming, and dividing overgrown clumps can maintain their vigor.

With their captivating beauty and ease of care, Lysimachia are a rewarding addition to any garden. Their diversity ensures that there’s a species to suit every taste and setting. So, why not embark on your own exploration of this fascinating genus? You might just discover your new favorite plant.

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