LYCHNIS

genus of ornamental plants, of the pink family (Caryophyllaceae), with about 35 species, native primarily to the North Temperate Zone. Members of the genus are commonly called catchfly, or campion, names that also are used for related plants of the genus Silene of the same family. The name catchfly refers to the sticky, hairy stems of some Lychnis species. Some of the more popular garden plants of the genus include the cuckoo-flower, or ragged robin (L. flos-cuculi); scarlet lightning, or Maltese cross (L. chalcedonica); flower of Jove (L. flos-jovis); and mullein pink, or rose campion (L. coronaria). The five-petaled flowers range in colour from white or pink to red or purple.