Shiny-leaf yellow loosestrife.

Description

Lysimachia scopulensis is a rare species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae known by the common name shiny-leaf yellow loosestrife. It is endemic to Hawaii, where there are two small populations on the island of Kauai. It was federally listed as an endangered species of the United States in 2010. This shrub was discovered in 1991 in Kalalau Valley on Kauai. It was described as a new species in 1997. It grows on cliffs. This shrub has red or green branches up to 75 centimeters long. The closely spaced leaves are lance-shaped to nearly oval in shape and have curved tips. The leaves are dark green but the central vein and the petiole may be red in color. The flower has red petals each about a centimeter long. This species sometimes hybridizes with Lysimachia glutinosa. The two populations of this rare plant contain no more than 30 individuals in total. The plant is threatened by the invasion of introduced species of plants and feral goats. Lysimachia is a genus consisting of 193 accepted species of flowering plants traditionally classified in the family Primulaceae. Based on a molecular phylogenetic study it was transferred to the family Myrsinaceae, before this family was later merged into the Primulaceae. Lysimachia species often have yellow flowers, and grow vigorously. They tend to grow in damp conditions. Several species within Lysimachia are commonly called loosestrife, although this name is also used for plants within the genus Lythrum. The genus is named in honor of Lysimachus, a king of ancient Sicily, who is said to have calmed a mad ox by feeding it a member of the genus. Lysimachia species are used as food plants by the larvae of some butterflies and moths, including the dot moth, grey pug, lime-speck pug, small angle shades, and v-pug.