Lythrum tribracteatum, Salzm. ex Sprengel

9. L. tribracteatum Salzm. ex Sprengel View in CoL , Syst. Feg. 4(2): 190 (1827)

( L. bibracteatum Salzm. ex Guss. ).

Erect to decumbent, glabrous or scabrid annual; stem 5-30 cm, with 4 raised lines, usually with numerous divaricate branches. Leaves 3-12(-18)x 1—3(—5) mm, linear to oblong-oblanceolate, alternate, those on the main stem often much larger than those on the branches. Flowers 4- to 6-merous, solitary in the leaf-axils, numerous, subsessile; bracteoles usually as long as the hypanthium, but sometimes minute. Hypanthium 5-6 x 1 mm, narrowly cylindrical,

tapered to the base. Epicalyx-segments and sepals 0-5 mm or less, subequal, inconspicuous and usually involute in fruit. Petals 2-3 mm, oblong, purple; stamens 4-6. Capsule cylindrical, equalling or slightly exceeding the hypanthium; style c. 2 mm. Seasonally wet places. S. Europe, extending northwards to W. France, Hungary and the lower Volga. Al Bu Ga G r Hs Hu It Lu Rm Rs (W, K, E) Sa Si Tu.