Lysimachia lydgatei

No Common Name

Description

Lysimachia lydgatei is a branched, sprawling shrub in the primrose family (Primulaceae) with stems from 3 to 4 ft (91.4 to 121.9 cm) long. Immature and young stems have a dense covering of rust-colored hairs, while older stems are glabrous. The leathery and elliptic leaves, 1.9-2.8 in (4.8-7.1 cm) long, are densely covered with rust-colored hairs. The flowers are arranged singly in the leaf axils, but entire flowers have not been seen. Fruits are capsules about 0.2 in (5.1 mm) long. This species is distinguished from others in the genus by the dense hairs on both the upper and lower surfaces of mature leaves.

Habitat

L. lydgatei typically grows on the sides of steep ridges in 'ohi'a-dominated lowland mesic shrub-land at an elevation of about 3,600 ft (1,097 m). Associated vegetation includes 'a'ali'i, 'ohelo, pukiawe, and mat ferns.

Distribution

L. lydgatei was known to have occurred in 1995 on at least three mountain summits of leeward West Maui on state natural area reserve lands. About 50-100 individuals are thought to exist on Lihau Peak, about 50 individuals on Halepohaku, and 50-100 individuals on Helu. This species has a poorly documented natural history; only a single fragmentary collection made before 1871 preceded a subsequent collection in 1979.

Threats

The lower-elevation portion of L. lydgatei habitat, based on available information, has likely become reduced as a result of cattle ranching, wildfire, and invasion of alien plant species. However, this endangered plant appears to be maintaining stable populations in the remaining higher-elevation areas of its habitat.

Fire is a major potential threat to the survival of L. lydgatei. A single fire could extirpate the species. The alien blackberry also poses a serious threat to the habitat of L. lydgatei. Direct human impacts include trampling of L. lydgatei and surrounding native vegetation. This increased disturbance makes invasion by alien plant species more likely.

Conservation and Recovery

The West Maui Mountains have resulted in maintenance of fairly intact native habitat.

Contacts

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Regional Office, Division of Endangered Species
Eastside Federal Complex
911 N. E. 11th Ave.
Portland, Oregon 97232-4181
Telephone: (503) 231-6121
http://pacific.fws.gov/

Senior Resident Agent Office
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 7-235
P.O. Box 50223
Honolulu, Hawaii 96850-5000
Telephone: (808) 541-2681
Fax: (808) 541-3062

Reference

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 15 May 1992. "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Endangered or Threatened Status for 15 Plants from the Island of Maui, Hawaii." Federal Register 57 (95): 20772-20787.