Lith-ra'se-e. L. Lythr-um + aceae, fr. Gr.

gore - i. e., from its purple flowers. Herbs, shrubs, often 4-sided; distinguished by containing astringent principle, coloring agent. Leaves exstipulate; calyx tubular, persistent, bearing deciduous petals and stamens; lobes valvate; petals 4-7, wrinkled; stamens 4-14, perigynous, inserted below petals; ovary 1-2-6-celled, superior; ovules many; style 1; stigma rarely 2-lobed; fruit capsule, membranous, dehiscent, surrounded by non-adherent calyx-tube; seeds many, exalbuminous; temperate climates, tropics; astringent, dye. Genus: 1. Punica.