Mexican primrose-willow
Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H.Raven
Ludwigia octovalvis (Mexican primrose-willow) is a species in the Onagraceae family, native to the Neotropics, and widely distributed across regions including South America, Central America, and parts of Asia and Africa. It is a flowering plant that can grow up to one meter tall, with yellow flowers, green and red stems, and small capsular fruits containing many seeds. It can grow in wetlands, root at nodes, and float in water. The species is sometimes invasive and is cultivated as an aquatic plant. It is classified by IUCN as of 'least concern' with stable populations.
Description
Ludwigia octovalvis is a member of the Onagraceae family and is known for its ability to spread easily, forming mats on mud or floating in water. It is found in a wide range of regions, including parts of South America, Central America, and Southeast Asia. The plant has yellow flowers and stems that may appear green and red. It produces small capsular fruits with numerous minute seeds. Although its native range is unclear, it is believed to have originated in the Neotropics and has likely spread globally with human assistance. Ludwigia octovalvis is sometimes considered an invasive species and is cultivated for use in aquatic environments. It is classified as of 'least concern' by the IUCN due to stable populations.
Other common names
water-primrosewillow primroseseedboxMexican primrose-willownarrow-leaf water-primrose
Distribution
Complejo Humedales Hato Corozal · Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca, Boyacá, Cauca, Cesar, Chocó, Córdoba, Cundinamarca, Guainía, Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Nariño, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, Risaralda, San Andrés y Providencia, Santander, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Vichada · Boyacá; Santa maría · BR · Subregiones: Cordillera occidental, Norte, Zona central, Enclaves subxerofíticos · CO · Parque Nacional Natural Nevado del Huila | Parque Nacional Natural Cueva de los Guácharos | Parque Nacional Natural Los Katíos | Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona · Afrotropical · Neotropical · Oriental (Indomalaya) · TW · MM · VU · CK · AS · Kosrae · Yap · WS · PW · SB · TK · NR · La Unión Esperanza María · KM · FM · VN · MU · SG · Barrancabermeja | Piedecuesta | San Vicente de Chucurí · CM
Synonyms
Jussiaea octovalvisOenothera octovalvisJussiaea occidentalisJussiaea suffruticosa f. linearifolia