Water Purslane
VU

Water Purslane

Lythrum portula

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lythrum_portula

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Water Purslane faces severe decline due to wetland drainage and agricultural conversion of its specialized muddy shoreline habitats. Eutrophication from agricultural runoff and urban development alters the nutrient-poor conditions this species requires, while water level fluctuations from dam construction and water extraction disrupt its annual germination cycle. Climate change intensifies these pressures through altered precipitation patterns and increased drought frequency.

Threat summary

Habitat

Water Purslane inhabits the muddy margins of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams, particularly favoring seasonally flooded areas with nutrient-poor, sandy or gravelly substrates. It thrives in shallow water zones that experience natural water level fluctuations, often growing alongside other specialized wetland plants in temporary pools and pond edges.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Frequently asked questions

Why is Water Purslane classified as Vulnerable?
Water Purslane is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Water Purslane faces severe decline due to wetland drainage and agricultural conversion of its specialized muddy shoreline habitats. Eutrophication from agricultural runoff and urban development alters the nutrient-poor conditions this species requires, while water level fluctuations from dam construction and water extraction disrupt its annual germination cycle. Climate change intensifies these pressures through altered precipitation patterns and increased drought frequency.
Where does Water Purslane live?
Water Purslane occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Water Purslane?
The main threats to Water Purslane are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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