Pelekunu Trail yellow loosestrife facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pelekunu Trail yellow loosestrife |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lysimachia
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| Species: |
maxima
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The Lysimachia maxima, also known as the Pelekunu Trail yellow loosestrife, is a very rare flowering plant. It belongs to the Primulaceae family. This special plant grows only in Hawaii. It is found on the island of Molokai. Because it is so rare, the United States government has listed it as an endangered species. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever.
What Does It Look Like?
This plant is a shrub with branches that spread out. Its leaves grow in groups of three. The plant has beautiful purple flowers that grow one at a time.
Where Does It Live?
The Pelekunu Trail yellow loosestrife grows only in the wet forests of the Pelekunu Mountains on Molokai. Sadly, there are only two small groups of these plants left. Recent checks found only twenty plants in total. There are ten plants in each of the two groups.
Why Is It Endangered?
This rare plant faces many dangers. Introduced species of animals, like feral pigs and feral goats, cause problems. These animals can damage the plant's habitat. Also, invasive species of plants, such as Koster's curse (Clidemia hirta), take over the areas where the loosestrife grows. Because there are so few Lysimachia maxima plants left, even one big event could make them disappear completely.
How Are People Helping?
To protect the Pelekunu Trail yellow loosestrife, people are trying different ways to help. One way is using biological pest control. This means using natural enemies to fight harmful plants. For example, officials have released a special leaf-eating insect called Lius poseidon. This insect helps control the spread of Koster's curse. It is still early to know how well this plan is working.
