Lysimachia daphnoides facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lysimachia daphnoides |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lysimachia
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| Species: |
daphnoides
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The Lysimachia daphnoides is a very rare flowering plant. It has a few common names, like Pacific loosestrife, lehua makanoe, kolekole lehua, and kolokolo kuahiwi. This special plant only grows in Hawaii, especially on the island of Kauai. Because there are so few of them left, it was officially listed as an endangered species in the United States in 2010.
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About the Pacific Loosestrife
The Pacific loosestrife is a small shrub. It usually grows to be about half a meter tall, which is like knee-high for an adult. It has many tough, leathery leaves that grow close together.
What Does It Look Like?
This plant has beautiful dark red or purple flowers. These flowers grow right where the leaves meet the stem. The leaves are thick and feel a bit like leather.
Where Does It Live?
This plant loves wet, boggy places high up in the mountains. You can find it in the Alakaʻi Wilderness Preserve and Na Pali Kona Forest Reserve on Kauai. These areas are part of a special mountain ecosystem that stays very wet.
Why Is It Endangered?
Sadly, there are very few Lysimachia daphnoides plants left. Scientists know of only three groups of these plants on Kauai. In total, there are only about 200 to 300 plants left in the world. This small number makes them very vulnerable to disappearing forever.
Why Is It Special?
The flowers of the Lysimachia daphnoides were traditionally used by people in Hawaii. They were often woven into beautiful leis, which are garlands worn around the neck or head.
