f5r

[-JKP-]

Here's what Pliny You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. about Lysimachia (XXV, 35):

King Lysimachus first discovered the plant which from him has received the name of lysimachia, and the merits of which have been so highly extolled by Erasistratus. This plant has green leaves resembling those of the willow, and a purple blossom: it has all the appearance of a shrub, the branches are erect, and it has a pungent smell. It is found growing in watery soils. The properties of it are so extremely powerful, that if placed upon the yoke when beasts of burden are restive, it will be sure to overcome all stubbornness on their part.

Note the footnote 2, and note that the blossom in the VMS is painted blue (which might stand for purple).

The buds and blossoms on Trientalis and Paris are white, the seeds range from white to light blue and sometimes a purple-blue.


You're right that plants we now identify as Lysimachia (e.g., You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view., You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.) don't resemble 5r, but since the name Lysimachos/Lysimachus is of ancient origin, who knows how many were called Lysimachia in the past.

Lysimachia (as we know it now) is almost always yellow. The rare white and purple varieties (e.g., You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.) have thick "tails" of flowers that in no way resemble 5r.