Lysimachia remyi subsp. maxima
| Lysimachia remyi subsp. maxima | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Primulaceae |
| Genus: | Lysimachia |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: | L. r. subsp. maxima |
| Trinomial name | |
| Lysimachia remyi subsp. maxima (Masam.) I.C.Oh & Anderb. (2013) | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Lysimachia remyi subsp. maxima is a rare species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae known by the common name Pelekunu Trail yellow loosestrife.[2] It is endemic to Hawaii, where there are only two small populations remaining on the island of Molokai.[3] It is federally listed as an endangered species of the United States.
This is a shrub with sprawling branches lined with leaves growing in clusters of three. The solitary flowers are purple in color.[4] The plant grows only in the wet forests of the Pelekunu Mountains of Molokai. The most recent surveys revealed a total of twenty individuals, ten in each of the two populations.[3]
The plant is threatened by the invasion of introduced species of animals such as feral pigs and feral goats, and plants such as Koster's curse (Clidemia hirta) in its habitat.[3] The plant is vulnerable because of its small numbers; a single event could conceivably cause its extinction.[3]
Officials have released the leaf-eating insect Lius poseidon into the habitat as an agent of biological pest control against Koster's curse. It is too early to determine how successful this effort has been.[3]
References
- ^ Lysimachia remyi subsp. maxima (Masam.) I.C.Oh & Anderb. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ USDA Plants Profile
- ^ a b c d e USFWS. Lysimachia maxima Five-year Review. January 2008.
- ^ Lysimachia maxima. The Nature Conservancy.