Lysimachia iniki facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lysimachia iniki |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Lysimachia
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| Species: |
iniki
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Lysimachia iniki is a very rare flowering plant. It's also known as the Wailua River yellow loosestrife or Wailua River island-loosestrife. This plant is found only in Hawaii, specifically on the island of Kauai. It's so rare that it was listed as an endangered species in the United States in 2010. This means it's in danger of disappearing forever.
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Meet the Wailua River Yellow Loosestrife
How This Plant Was Found
This special plant was discovered in 1992. A powerful storm, Hurricane Iniki, hit Hawaii that year. The hurricane tore pieces of the plant from tall cliffs above Kauai's Wailua River. These pieces fell where people could collect them.
Scientists studied the plant parts. They realized it was a brand new species! They named it Lysimachia iniki after the hurricane. The Hawaiian word `iniki means "sharp and piercing." This can describe wind or even strong feelings like love.
What This Plant Looks Like
Lysimachia iniki is a type of shrub. It has green branches that hang down. These branches can grow up to 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) long. The plant's woody base attaches to wet, mossy cliffs.
Its leaves are oval-shaped. They are about 3 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) long. They are also 2 to 4 centimeters (about 1 to 1.5 inches) wide. The leaves grow very close together on the branches.
The plant has funnel-shaped flowers. These flowers grow where the leaves meet the stem. Each flower has green, pointed parts called sepals at its base. The petals of the flower are dark red at the bottom. They turn white at their tips. The parts inside the flower, called stamens, are also dark red. After the flower blooms, it forms a round fruit. This fruit is a small capsule, less than a centimeter long.
Where This Plant Lives
When Lysimachia iniki was first described, scientists found at least 25 individual plants. By 2010, only 40 plants remained. All of these plants live in just one place. This spot is by the "Blue Hole." It's at the headwaters of the north fork of the Wailua River.
Why This Plant is in Danger
This rare plant faces several threats.
- Hurricanes: Strong storms like Hurricane Iniki and Hurricane Iwa have damaged these plants.
- Small Population: There are very few plants left. This small number means they might not reproduce well. It also means they have less genetic variability. If a single big event happens, like another hurricane, the whole species could disappear.
- Natural Disasters: Since the plant lives on cliffs, it is vulnerable to flooding. It can also be harmed by landslides.
- Invasive Plants: Other plants that are not native to Hawaii can grow in the same area. These non-native plant species can take over the habitat. They compete with Lysimachia iniki for space and resources.
