Lysimachia filifolia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lysimachia filifolia |
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Lysimachia
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filifolia
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The Wailua River yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia filifolia) is a very rare flowering plant. It is found only in Hawaii. This plant is known by its scientific name, Lysimachia filifolia. It is an endemic species, meaning it naturally grows only in Hawaii. The United States government lists it as an endangered species. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever.
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About the Wailua River Yellow Loosestrife
This plant is a small shrub. It can grow up to about half a meter (about 20 inches) tall. Its leaves are very narrow, almost like thin threads. The flowers of this plant are a beautiful reddish-purple color.
Where It Lives
The Wailua River yellow loosestrife loves wet places. It grows on the faces of waterfalls. You can find it in wet forest areas.
Currently, there are only two main groups of these plants left. One group lives on the island of Oahu. The other group is on Kauai.
How Many Are Left
On Oahu, there are about 130 individual plants remaining. They grow near waterfalls in the Koolau Range. A single group of plants was found on Kauai in 2008. Another group of plants on Kauai was thought to be this species. However, scientists later found out they were a different kind of plant called Lysimachia pendens.
Why It's Endangered
The Wailua River yellow loosestrife faces many threats. These threats make it hard for the plant to survive and grow.
Habitat Problems
The places where this plant lives are getting damaged. This damage is called habitat degradation. One big problem is caused by feral pigs. These pigs dig up the ground and disturb the plants.
Invasive Plants
Another major threat comes from non-native plant species. These are plants that were brought to Hawaii by people. They are not naturally from Hawaii. These non-native plants grow very fast and take over the habitat. They compete with the Wailua River yellow loosestrife for sunlight, water, and space.
Some of these harmful non-native plants include:
- Mistflower (Ageratina riparia)
- Ti (Cordyline fruticosa)
- Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla)
These invasive plants make it very difficult for the rare Wailua River yellow loosestrife to thrive. Efforts are being made to protect this special Hawaiian plant.
