Lysimachia pendens

Lysimachia pendens is a rare species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae known by the common name broad-leaf yellow loosestrife.[1] It is endemic to Hawaii, where there is a single occurrence known on the island of Kauai.[2] It was federally listed as an endangered species of the United States in 2010.[3]

Lysimachia pendens

Critically Imperiled  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Primulaceae
Genus: Lysimachia
Species:
L. pendens
Binomial name
Lysimachia pendens
Marr

This shrub was described as a new species in 1997 when one population of Lysimachia filifolia plants was determined to be different from the others and not part of that species.[4] The leaves are wider and hairier than those of L. filifolia.[4] This plant occurs at one location at the headwaters of the north fork of the Wailua River of Kauai, where it grows alongside the newly described Lysimachia iniki.[4] The habitat is made up of wet, mossy cliffs.[3]

This shrub has hanging branches, the new growth covered in tan hairs. The lance-shaped leaves are closely spaced on the branches and measure roughly 2 to 4 centimeters long by 2 to 4 millimeters wide. The flowers have green or red-tinged sepals and red petals each just under a centimeter in length.[4]

The plant is threatened by the invasion of introduced species of plants in its habitat.[2] Landslides have destroyed many of the plants.[3]

There are only eight individuals of this species remaining (as of April 2010).[3]

References
  1. USDA Plants Profile
  2. Lysimachia maxima. The Nature Conservancy.
  3. "Determination of Endangered Status for 48 Species on Kauai and Designation of Critical Habitat; Final Rule" (PDF). Federal Register. FWS / DoI. 75 (70). April 13, 2010. Retrieved January 16, 2012.
  4. Marr, K. L and B. A. Bohm. (1997). A taxonomic revision of the endemic Hawaiian Lysimachia (Primulaceae) including three new species. Pac Sci 51(3) 254-87.


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