This annual plant with a mainly Mediterranean distribution is present, but generally very rare, in many regions of Italy, from Lombardy and Veneto to Sicily and Sardinia. The life-cycle can be spent part in water, part on moist to dry soil. It grows in moist habitats, such as along the edges of ephemeral pools, ditches and swamps, on muddy soils, from sea level to approximately 300 m. The species is very rare in the temporary ponds of Sardinia. The genus name derives from the Greek 'lythron' (blood), for the colour of the flowers and because in the past some species of this genus were believed to be effective in healing wounds; the species name means 'with three bracts', but the flowers have only 2 small bracts at the base. Flowering period: April to June. |
