A deviating stand of plants belonging to the aggregate of E. palustre
L. (Onagraceae) were found by me in Lohja, Muijala, in about 1970. Even though E. palustre is a most
variable species, this stand comprising white-flowered plants appeared
especially puzzling because of the almost linear leaves with finely dentate margins. A most important diagnostic character was
detected by the Finnish specialist of the genus Epilobium, Dr. Ilkka
Kytövuori: in upper leaves, numerous stomata were present also on the adaxial surface of the leaves
while the stomata are restricted to the lower surface of leaf blade in E. palustre
s. str. (Kytövuori, I. 1979:
Biosystematics and taxonomy of Epilobium laestadii sp. nova (Onagraceae) in
Fennoscandia.
– Ann. Bot. Fennici 16: 193-207.).
The plant was never found again though seeked for on several
occasions. The habitat was a tiny eutrophic spring-fed mire in the SE slope of
the glaciofluvial esker Lohjanharju (unfortunately, the site is nowadays badly
disturbed by construction of roads). The flora of the mire included Carex
diandra, C. dioica, Dactylorhiza maculata, D.
sp., Eriophorum latifolium, Nardus stricta, Salix myrtilloides, Tomentypnum
nitens, Listera cordata
and L. ovata (the two last-named species in a more forested portion).
Dr. Kytövuori is of the opinion that indeed a peculiar morph
relating to E. palustre is concerned. He has seen somewhat similar plants
collected from northern Finland. The taxonomic status and nomenclature of the
Lohja plant remain to be elucidated. It is reminiscent of the poorly known E.
palustre var. lapponicum Wahlenb. of North Finland.
Created August 30, 2004. Latest revision July 4, 2005.