creeping primrose-willow
Ludwigia repens J.R.Forst.
Ludwigia repens is a creeping perennial herb in the Onagraceae family, known as creeping primrose-willow. It is native to the Americas and has been introduced and naturalized in many regions worldwide, including parts of Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. The plant is often found in aquatic or moist environments and is cultivated as an aquarium plant. It spreads via its creeping stems, which root at the nodes, forming dense mats. The leaves are opposite and up to 4–5 cm long, and the small yellow flowers have four petals up to 3 mm long, supported by four pointed sepals.
Description
Ludwigia repens is a member of the evening primrose family (Onagraceae) and is widely distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, as well as in many other parts of the world. It thrives in wetlands and aquatic habitats, often becoming invasive in non-native areas. The plant has a creeping growth habit with stems that root at the nodes, allowing it to spread rapidly. Its leaves are arranged oppositely and can reach lengths of up to 5 cm. The flowers are small, with four yellow petals no longer than 3 mm and four pointed sepals. The species was first described in 1771 by J.R. Forst. It is sometimes cultivated for use in aquariums due to its ability to grow in water.
Other common names
creeping primrose-willowcreeping primrosewillowcreeping waterpurslane
Distribution
Nearctic · Neotropical · Austria · Hungary · Spain · SE · AU · TW · JP · Global · Guadeloupe · Alabama · Arizona · Arkansas · Bahamas · Bangladesh · Bermuda · California · Cuba · Czechoslovakia · Dominican Republic · El Salvador · Florida · Georgia · Haiti · Jamaica · Kansas · Louisiana · Mexico Central · Mexico Gulf
Synonyms
Ludwigia fluitansIsnardia mediaLudwigia clavellinaLudwigia natansIsnardia intermediaIsnardia natansIsnardia repens var. rotundataLudwigia repens var. rotundataLudwigia natans var. rotundataLudwigia natans var. stipitataLudwigia repens var. stipitataLudwigia natans var. typica