Epilobium tetragonum L.
Diagnostic description:
A herbaceous perennial with erect or ascending stems 30 to 100 cm long. Stems with 2 to 4 ridges towards the base. Leaves opposite, more or less sessile, oblong-lanceolate, serrate; 4 to 8 cm long. Flowers in a raceme; with 4 notched, pale pink petals 5 to 7 mm long. Stigma entire. Fruit capsule 4-angled, pubescent, 3 to 8 cm long. Seeds 1 to 1.5 mm long, with a tuft of fine white hairs.
Distribution:
Local:Very rare in Gibraltar. Found as a weed in gardens and cultivated plots.
Global: Found throughout Europe, North Africa and western and central Asia.
Ecology:
Flowers from June, July, August, September to October.
Habitat:
Grows on damp soil, and along the banks of streams.