39. Lythraceae

It's hard to argue with the Lythraceae family, probably best-known for crape myrtle trees, which constitute the Lagerstromia genus. Crape myrtles have many interesting features -- they are from India, they have beautiful, smooth, multi-colored bark, and they remain in flower for much of the year. The most prevalent species in America is Lagerstromia indica, introduced in the late 18th century by French botanist Andre Michaux. The genus itself is named for Swedish merchant Magnus von Lagerstrom. The indica species does well in dry, Mediterranean climates such as California. The specimens above, photographed in a small, dusty Salinas Valley town, are probably indica. Another species, speciosa, is better suited to subtropical climates such as the Gulf Coast and Hawaii.

Lythraceae is a relatively small family. Other well known members are henna, Lawsonia inermis, and pomegranate, Punica granatum. Pomegranate used to belong to the separate Punicaceae family, but that family was determined to be a subfamily of the Lythraceae, and so was incorporated into it.