Lysimachia arvensis (L.) U. Manns & Anderb.
Vernacular name: Scarlet pimpernel, Poor man’s weatherglass (Hindi: लाल चंदेरा / शेफर्ड्स क्लॉक)
Species Name: Anagallis arvensis L. (syn. Lysimachia arvensis)
Family: Primulaceae
Habit: Low-growing annual forb/herb
Stem: Square, sprawling, 5-30 cm long, branching from base.
Leaf: Opposite (sometimes whorled), ovate-elliptic 5-25 mm long, sessile, dark purple spots below, soft-hairy.
Flowering: Spring–Autumn
Flowers: Axillary solitary (fascicled cymose inflorescence – solitary pedicellate flowers); scarlet/orange/blue 6-10 mm diameter, 5 petals with glandular hairs, 5 sepals.
Fruit: Spherical capsule 4-6 mm, 5-valved, many small brown seeds.
Uses:
- Whole herb for melancholy, skin eruptions (low doses).
- Flowers close before rain (“shepherd’s clock”); European folk remedy
- Toxic if ingested; traditional diuretic.
