Ludwigia x kentiana   Hybrid Hampshire-purslane I

Ludwigia x kentiana Ludwigia x kentiana close

This relatively recently discovered plant is a hybrid between Ludwigia palustris (Hampshire-purslane) and Ludwigia repens (Waterpurslane). It grows in a pond on Wimbledon common (its only known site so far) where it has to compete with Crassula aquatica (New Zealand Pygmyweed) and Myriophyllum aquaticum (Parrot's-feather). Since these latter two plants are capable of ousting any competitors it is surprising that all three can co-exist.

Ludwigia repens is a plant used in the aquarium trade so it is a possibility that this hybrid L x kentiana, assumed to be the red-stemmed pure species L. repens, has been sold as such and then thrown out to take hold in the wild.

The flowers are very small but would probably not be produced if at all until late summer.

Pond on Wimbledon Common (Putney Heath end) 30th June 2006

Added on 4th October 2006, updated 4th December 2010, updated 12tgh August 2018