Oenothera simulans

Oenothera simulans (Small) W. L. Wagner & Hoch

Synonym: Gaura angustifolia

Common Names: Southern Bee Blossom

Family: Onagraceae

Habit: Oenothera simulans grows as a mostly glabrous annual herb up to 2 m in height. The square stems unbranched or branching only at the base and red tinged along the angles. The leaves are arranged alternately, up to 12 cm in length and 2 cm wide, elliptic to lanceolate with a dentate/serrate/notched leaf margin and an acute leaf apex. Lower leaves larger, petiolate and upper leaves smaller and sessile.

The complete, perfect, zygomorphic flowers are arranged in a terminal spike with each flower subtended by a bract.  The calyx has 3 – 4 pink/red, unfused, reflexed sepals. The corolla has 3 – 4 unfused, white to pink petals that are arranged above. There are 6 stamens. The ovary is inferior with 1 locule and numerous ovules.  The fruit is a square capsule.

Habitat: Oenothera simulans grows in Human Altered environments (yards, fields, disturbed areas).

Distribution: Oenothera simulans is a doubtful native to the Lucayan Archipelago but has been observed on Grand Bahama.  It is native to the southern United States.

Medicinal/Cultural/Economic usage: Oenothera simulans is not known to be used medicinally in the Bahamas.