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Primulaceae The Primroses are herbs or slightly woody plants with usually basal or opposite leaves, but sometimes whorled, like the four-leaved loosestrife. Some species are aquatic, while many others will be found near the water or at least in very moist soils. The flowers are regular and bisexual, often formed in clusters above a bract (modified leaf) on the main stem. There are usually 5 (rarely 4 to 9) sepals united at the base, and a similar number of petals and stamens. The petals may be united (often at the base) or separate and the stamens are aligned opposite (in the middle of) the petals. The ovary is positioned superior or partly inferior and consists of 5 united carpels (syncarpous) forming a single chamber. It matures as a capsule with 1 to numerous seeds. In some species the capsule is circumscissile, meaning the capsule has a "lid" like a pot. Key Words: Plants in moist soil with parts in fives and stamens aligned opposite the petals. Please e-mail Thomas J. Elpel to report mistakes or to inquire about purchasing high resolution photos of these plants.
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