LOPSEED

LOPSEED

Phryma leptostachya
LOPSEED FAMILY (Phrymaceae)

Identification

  • Flowering June to August
  • Common in woodlands at FF & NW
  • Spikes of unique, tiny paired flowers
  • Seeds folded (lopped) down next to stem
  • Coarsely toothed opposite leaves
Click on each photo thumbnail to enlarge.

This native perennial grows up to 3 feet tall. The stem supports opposite, oval, bluntly toothed leaves up to 6 inches long (B,C). Above the leaves the thin, stiff stems and branches hold tiny, paired flowers. Flowers are opposite on the stem, each pair at right angles to the next one (A,D). Individual flowers have a single, pinkish upturned lobe and 3 horizontal pale pink or white lower lobes (A). As they mature the flowers with their developing fruit, each holding a single seed, fold down along the stem (D,E).

Widespread in moist woodlands, flowering from June through August. Common in woodlands at both Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods.

Presently, this unusual plant has been assigned to its own separate Lopseed (Phrymaceae) Family. It has sometimes been placed in the Verbena Family (Verbenaceae).

The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.