Broad-leaf yellow loosestrife facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Broad-leaf yellow loosestrife
Conservation status
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
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Lysimachia pendens is a very rare flowering plant. It is also known as the broad-leaf yellow loosestrife. This special plant belongs to the Primulaceae family.

It is found only in Hawaii. Specifically, it grows in just one known spot on the island of Kauai. Because it is so rare, the United States government listed it as an endangered species in 2010. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever.

Discovering This Unique Plant

Scientists first described Lysimachia pendens as a new species in 1997. Before that, some of these plants were thought to be a different species called Lysimachia filifolia. However, researchers noticed that the leaves of L. pendens were wider and had more hairs. This showed it was a separate plant.

This plant lives in a very specific place. It grows near the start of the north fork of the Wailua River on Kauai. Its home is on wet, mossy cliffs. Another rare plant, Lysimachia iniki, also grows there.

What Does It Look Like?

Lysimachia pendens is a type of shrub. It has branches that hang downwards. The new parts of the plant are covered in soft, tan hairs.

Its leaves are shaped like a spearhead. They are packed closely together on the branches. Each leaf is about 2 to 4 centimeters long and 2 to 4 millimeters wide.

The flowers of this plant are also interesting. They have green or reddish sepals. Sepals are like small leaves that protect the flower bud. The petals are red and are just under a centimeter long.

Why Is It Endangered?

There are several reasons why Lysimachia pendens is in danger. One big threat comes from introduced species of plants. These are plants that are not native to Hawaii. They grow very fast and can take over the habitat where Lysimachia pendens lives. This makes it hard for the rare plant to get enough sunlight, water, and nutrients.

Another problem is landslides. Landslides are when large amounts of rock and soil slide down a cliff. These natural events have destroyed many of the plants.

Sadly, there are very few of these plants left. As of April 2010, only eight individual plants were known to exist. Protecting these last few plants is very important to keep the species from becoming extinct.