Lysimachia pendens

Lysimachia pendens is a rare species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae known by the common name broad-leaf yellow loosestrife.[1] It is endemic to Hawaii, where there is a single occurrence known on the island of Kauai.[2] It was federally listed as an endangered species of the United States in 2010.[3]

Lysimachia pendens
Conservation status
Critically Imperiled  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Ericales
Family:	Primulaceae
Genus:	Lysimachia
Species:	L. pendens
Binomial name
Lysimachia pendens Marr

This shrub was described as a new species in 1997 when one population of Lysimachia filifolia plants was determined to be different from the others and not part of that species.[4] The leaves are wider and hairier than those of L. filifolia.[4] This plant occurs at one location at the headwaters of the north fork of the Wailua River of Kauai, where it grows alongside the newly described Lysimachia iniki.[4] The habitat is made up of wet, mossy cliffs.[3]

This shrub has hanging branches, the new growth covered in tan hairs. The lance-shaped leaves are closely spaced on the branches and measure roughly 2 to 4 centimeters long by 2 to 4 millimeters wide. The flowers have green or red-tinged sepals and red petals each just under a centimeter in length.[4]

The plant is threatened by the invasion of introduced species of plants in its habitat.[2] Landslides have destroyed many of the plants.[3]

There are only eight individuals of this species remaining (as of April 2010).[3]