Rhexia

Description

Rhexia is a plant genus of Melastomataceae (ca. 4500 species in 150 genera) family. Rhexia species are commonly called “meadow beauty” and 11 to 13 species of Rhexia have been recognized depending on different taxonomic treatments. Unlike other members of the same family showing pantropical distribution, Rhexia is mainly distributed in temperate region of southeastern part of North America; from Nova Scotia to Florida and the West Indies (Cuba, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico) and west to eastern Texas. The species of Rhexia are frequently found in wet meadows, coastal plain marshes, sandy wetlands and lake edges, pine woods, and road-side swales. Most Rhexia species successfully establish on open areas disturbed by recurrent burning or reclamation.