Purple loosestrife
Three different flowers 
The purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is an herbaceous plant belonging to the Lythraceae family.
During late summer, the banks of ditches light up thanks to its purplish-red flowers. This plant easily grows in damp areas where willows are particularly common: its leaves resemble those of willows, hence the species name “salicaria.”
The purple loosestrife can produce 3 different types of flowers that differ in the length of styles and stamens, but each plant carries only one type of flower. This feature was studied by Darwin. A bee 
that feeds on nectar from one type of flower will receive a dusting of pollen that will pollinate a complementary flower. This system ensures that the flowers of a plant are fertilized only by pollen from another of the same species.
that differ in the length of styles and stamens, but each plant carries only one type of flower. This feature was studied by Darwin. A bee that feeds on nectar from one type of flower will receive a dusting of pollen that will pollinate a complementary flower. This system ensures that the flowers of a plant are fertilized only by pollen from another of the same species.
Did you know? 
In the countryside, it was believed that little genies 
, guardians of gold mines, were hidden in the plant.
, guardians of gold mines, were hidden in the plant.#LIFEprogramme #LIFEproject #EUpollinators #Natura2000
#lythrumsalicaria #loosestrife #pollinators #bees
Photo Pixabay
