Pukamole

Lythrum maritimum

Native to:
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Juan Fernández Is., Peru, Uruguay

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Lythraceae
Genus:
Lythrum
Species:
Lythrum maritimum
USDA Symbol:
LYMA3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Subshrub
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
pink, purple

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Salt Tolerant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, nutrient-rich, well-drained soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
commonly found in coastal and saline environments

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and keep moist.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI