The Lythraceae are a family of flowering plants, including about 620 species of mostly herbs, with some shrubs and trees, in 31 genera. Major genera include Cuphea (275 spp.), Lagerstroemia (56), Nesaea (50), Rotala (45), and Lythrum (35). Lythraceae have a worldwide distribution, with most species in the tropics, but ranging into temperate climate regions, as well.The family is named after the type genus, Lythrum, the loosestrifes (e.g.