THE LOOSESTRIFE FAMILY (Lythraceae )

Members of this family have a worldwide distribution, with most species in the tropics, but ranging into temperate regions, as well. The family is named after the type genus, Lythrum (the loosestrifes). It now also includes pomegranate, formerly classed in a separate family.

Botanically, the leaves are usually in pairs (opposite). They are simple with smooth margins and pinnate venation.

The flower petals emerge from the rim of a calyx tube (formed of a fusing together of the outer sepals). The petals are crumpled in the bud and wrinkled at maturity, typically distinct and overlapping. The flowers are most commonly four-merous but can be six-merous, with four to eight sepals and petals. The male stamens and female pistils may be varying in number and length. This, together with the crumpled petals, gives the flower a rather messy appearance.

(source: Wikipedia)