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Lythrum maritimum

Kunth (1824)

This name is accepted

Kingdom: Viridiplantae Phylum: Magnoliophyta Class/Clade: Eudicot-Rosids Order: Myrtales Family: Lythraceae Genus: Lythrum

loosestrife, lythrum, ninika, pūkāmole [pukamole]

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Description

Key Characters:

Growth Form: Slender shrubs.

Stems: Stems 3–10 dm long, many-branched, subglabrous.

Roots:

Leaves: Leaves simple. Opposite, sometimes becoming alternate on rapidly growing branches. Blades oblong to oblong–elliptic, 7–33 mm long, 2–14 mm wide. Apex obtuse. Base rounded to truncate. Margins entire. Subsessile. Stipules minute or absent.

Flowers: Flowers solitary in the leaf axils. Calyx teeth broadly ovate, mucronate, with an unequal number of slender appendages, exceeding the Calyx teeth. Corolla of 4–6, alternate with the sepals, distinct, attached at summit of or within floral tube, crumbled in bud, purple, ca. 4 mm long. Stamens 6, slightly exserted beyond floral tube; anthers dithecal, opening by longitudinal slits. Ovary superior, 2–4(–6) capellate, with as many cells, at least at base, oblong, 2-celled; ovules anatropous, ascending; style 1, exserted beyond floral tube; stigma usually capitate.

Fruit: Capsules ellipsoid; ca. 3.5 mm long. Seeds numerous; reddish brown; angled; ca. 0.5 mm long; endosperm absent or very scanty.

Ploidy:

Habitat: occurring in mesic; open; disturbed habitats; especially pastures; windward coastal cliffs; margins of wet forest; and on lava.

Elevation Range: 0–2,450 m.

Historical Distribution

Images

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Uses and Culture

USES

Natural History

Statewide Status

Indigenous

Island Status

Kaua'i Indigenous
O'ahu Indigenous
Molokai Indigenous
Lana'i Indigenous
Maui Indigenous
Hawai'i Indigenous

Dispersal Agents


Pollinators

Bibliography

Name Published In: F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp. 6: 194 (1824)

Other References

Wagner et al. 1990:868 (K, O, Mo, L, M, H); Nagata 1985:40 (species recorded in 1793 by Vancouver voyage, status change from ind? to ind); Herbst & Wagner 1999:23 (status change from ind? to nat, not followed)

Occurrences

SNo. Scientific Name Locality Habitat Basis of Record Description Recorded By Record Number Island Source Date
1 Lythrum maritimum Koko Crater, Maunalua dry rock ledges Preserved_Specimen tangled, mat-like Fosberg, F.R. 9137 Oahu BISH 1933-01-27
2 Lythrum maritimum W Maui, Lahaina District, Lihau Lowland Koa Mesic Forest at 3250 ft on a ridge beneath a of canopy of 7- 8m Acacia koa, Psychotria, Dodonaea, Coprosma and Myrsine with a understory of native ferns, sedges, Trisetum inaequale and Liparis Preserved_Specimen Welton, P. 918 Maui BISH 1991-07-09
3 Lythrum maritimum past Waikolu Lookout along road Preserved_Specimen 20 cm.; flowers magenta Davis, J. 57 Molokai BISH 1978-10-08
4 Lythrum maritimum East Molokai, N coast, Wailau Valley steep slope, base of Pali Preserved_Specimen petals pink Fosberg, F.R. 9606 Molokai BISH 1933-07-03
5 Lythrum maritimum National Park, Kipuka Puaulu trail, close to #18 signpost, to the left open Preserved_Specimen Herb, with mauve flowers Herat, T. 563 Hawaii BISH 1974-06-12
6 Lythrum maritimum Kona, Kikiaeae koa grassland Preserved_Specimen Christ, J.H. Hawaii BISH 1958-05-16
7 Lythrum maritimum Waipoli Rd., 2.2 miles from junction of Polipoli park rd. and forestry roads, Kula State Forest hanging from side of road cuts; with Dactylis, Pennisetum Preserved_Specimen prostrate shrub Ishikawa, S. 340 Maui BISH 1973-11-30
8 Lythrum maritimum N of Kuapa Pond moist, hillside Preserved_Specimen Gillespie, J.W. 1100 Oahu BISH 1927-07-08
9 Lythrum maritimum Mt.Kaala wooded ridge Preserved_Specimen bushy, 1.5 ft. Hosaka, E.Y. 1259 Oahu BISH 1934-10-04
10 Lythrum maritimum Kapua Koa forest Preserved_Specimen Adee, K.T. Hawaii BISH
11 Lythrum maritimum Maui edge of forest Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. Maui BISH 1909-12-05
12 Lythrum maritimum Kona, Keauhou, above Kahalu Forest Reserve, ~9.7 mi above lower forestry gate near jeep road in open flat pasture Preserved_Specimen small shrub with red-violet flowers Herbst, D.R. 5419 Hawaii BISH 1975-07-16
13 Lythrum maritimum Haleakala Crater floor, Halemanu Trail between Bottomless Pit at foot of Pali broken lava tube Preserved_Specimen flowers pink Fosberg, F.R. 9994 Maui BISH 1933-08-23
14 Lythrum maritimum East Maui, Hana District, S Fork of Waiohonu along streambank with introduced grasses Preserved_Specimen Harrison, B. 154 Maui BISH 1972-08-04
15 Lythrum maritimum Kokee by stream Preserved_Specimen small Beardsley, J.W. 5 Kauai BISH 1959-08-20
16 Lythrum maritimum West Maui, Waihee trailside, wet grassy clearing Preserved_Specimen subshrub Takeuchi, W.N. 7520 Maui BISH 1992-03-24
17 Lythrum maritimum East Maui, Hana District, E end of Haleakala Crater along Lauulu Trail N of Paliku Cabins with Epilobium, Vaccinium, Coprosma, Hypochoeris Preserved_Specimen Small undershrub to 2'; flowers lavender Henrickson, J.S. 3573 Maui BISH 1969-06-19
18 Lythrum maritimum Kaala, Northern Waianae Mountiains. Erosion scar on side of ridge above road near the summit. Area dominated by Diplazium sandwichianum, Metrosideros polymorpha, Dicranopteris linearis, Sadleria pallida, Begonia foliosa, Rubus rosifolius, Hydrangea arguta, Perrottetia sandwicensis, Athyrium microphyllum, Bidens torta, Pipturus albidus, and varous bryophytes. Preserved_Specimen Semi-herbaceous creeping plants sprawling on ground with erect portions. Leaves narrowly elliptic-lanceolate, small. Flowers emerging from leaf axils, light pink-purple with the inner portion of the tube pale. Calyx pale green with reddish stripes. Thomas, M.K. 435 Oahu BISH 2023-09-09
19 Lythrum maritimum Keawanui Bay rocky coast along windward side; steep slope with Morinda, Pluchea, Psidium. Preserved_Specimen Corolla lavender Wagner, W.L. Molokai BISH 1987-07-30
20 Lythrum maritimum Paeahu, Kula, Makawao grassy pasture Preserved_Specimen Hosaka, E.Y. 1748 Maui BISH 1937-01-26
21 Lythrum maritimum Kau District, Keauhou Ranch Growing in depression in pahoehoe in pasture near disturbed Metrosideros forest. Preserved_Specimen Sprawling herb. Fresh flowers pinkish-lavender, dried flowers violet. Davis, J. 368 Hawaii BISH 1980-09-05
22 Lythrum maritimum SW flank of Mauna Loa, Kapua closed Metrosideros, Myrsine and Acacia forest, understory of Athyrium and Dryopteris Preserved_Specimen Higashino, P.K. 6113 Hawaii BISH 1977-07-13
23 Lythrum maritimum Mauna Loa Strip Road ~4 mi from intersection with Kona-Hilo Hwy.; plot 40 Acacia savanna Preserved_Specimen shrub ~1 m, petals light purple Newell, C.L. 65 Hawaii BISH 1966-07-13
24 Lythrum maritimum Mauna Loa with Styphelia, dry Preserved_Specimen Baldwin, P.H. 16 Hawaii BISH 1937-12-21
25 Lythrum maritimum Kokee State Park, Kauai, Hawaii Growing off the road, just past gate from outside parking area on way up to lookout/ overlook. Preserved_Specimen Small subshrub, with 6 parted corolla, purple to pink in color, with dark purple line down middle of each petal. Leaves sessile, or possibly with minute petiole; flowers at leave axis. Crago, L.M. 2005165 Kauai BISH 2005-08-03
26 Lythrum maritimum Pohakuloa, N-facing slope, Puu Keekee 20 deg. angle of cinder cone; Dodonaea viscosa, Eragrostis atropioides, Bidens menziesii Preserved_Specimen Tierney 93.33 Hawaii BISH 1993-07-03
27 Lythrum maritimum Ulupalakua pasture Preserved_Specimen Hosaka, E.Y. 1807 Maui BISH 1937-04-13
28 Lythrum maritimum Hamakua Dist.; Pohakuloa Training Area, along Saddle Road Between the 30 & 45 mile markers & within 60' of road. Preserved_Specimen Funk, E.J. 49 Hawaii BISH 1990-12-13
29 Lythrum maritimum Headwaters of the N fork of Wailua River, just E of Mt. Waialeale and Kawaikini deep valley surrounded by steem cliffs, ~1000', laced with waterfalls; low primary vegetation of small, stunted trees 1-2 m, numerous pteridophytes and Gunnera over staturated, rock ground.; along stream bed Preserved_Specimen herb, petals pale purple Lorence, D.H. 5343 Kauai BISH 1987-08-23
30 Lythrum maritimum Punaluu, Castle Trail, Koolau Range open slope Preserved_Specimen 2' bush. Flowers pinkish Hosaka, E.Y. 2377 Oahu BISH 1938-09-27
31 Lythrum maritimum Mt. Kaala, Waianae Metrosideros forest Preserved_Specimen Grant, M.L. 7455 Oahu BISH 1934-10-04
32 Lythrum maritimum Kalaupapa; Waikolu valley, base of stream open Preserved_Specimen slender perennial shrub Wysong, M.L. 567 Molokai BISH 2005-01-04
33 Lythrum maritimum Trail to Kalaupapa, N coast Preserved_Specimen Calyx tube green, lobes reddish; corolla pinkish Crosby, M.R. 1669 Molokai BISH 1964-07-04
34 Lythrum maritimum Puu Laau, near hunter's cabin Preserved_Specimen weed Herbst, D.R. 5202 Hawaii BISH 1975-01-18
35 Lythrum maritimum Nualolo Valley, Na Pali Coast Collected near the stream under Aleurites forest. Preserved_Specimen Cuddihy, L.W. 353 Kauai BISH 1979-07-18
36 Lythrum maritimum Koolau Range, Waikane-Schofield Trail Preserved_Specimen flowers pink-lavender Cowan, R.S. 37 Oahu BISH 1946-09-22
37 Lythrum maritimum Mauna Loa Strip Road ~4 mi from intersection with Kona-Hilo Hwy.; plot 40 Preserved_Specimen shrub ~1 m , petals a light purple color Newell, C.L. 64 Hawaii BISH 1966-07-13
38 Lythrum maritimum Trail from Kamoku Flats to Puu Kolekole Preserved_Specimen 2'; corolla lavender Crosby, M.R. 1656 Molokai BISH 1964-07-03
39 Lythrum maritimum Puupueo above Makahalau near Kaluamakani Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 3127 Hawaii BISH 1909-07-01
40 Lythrum maritimum Haelaau Preserved_Specimen delicate shrub St.John, H. 10184 Maui BISH 1930-02-05
41 Lythrum maritimum Mauna Loa Strip Road ~4 mi from intersection with Kona-Hilo Hwy.; plot 40 Preserved_Specimen shrub ~1 m , petals a light purple color Newell, C.L. 63 Hawaii BISH 1966-07-13
42 Lythrum maritimum Oahu Preserved_Specimen Didrichsen, D.F. 3519 Oahu BISH 1845-01-01
43 Lythrum maritimum East Maui, Haleakala National Park, Maintenance area Preserved_Specimen Perennial herb to 15cm; flowers light violet. Annable, C.R. 3906 Maui BISH 1999-02-11
44 Lythrum maritimum North Kohala District; Kalala ahupua'a, Lahikiola cinder cone Preserved_Specimen Scandent subshrub, about 2 ft tall, in Kikuyu grassland Bunch, P.M. 111 Hawaii BISH 1989-03-13
45 Lythrum maritimum Kaiholena top of ridge Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 106 Lanai BISH 1927-06-14
46 Lythrum maritimum Hualalai, W slope, Puulaalaau, at Ranger Station Preserved_Specimen flower lilac Neal, M.C. Hawaii BISH 1934-06-19
47 Lythrum maritimum Forest Reserve, Puu Makaliilii area Preserved_Specimen sub-shrub with red-violet flowers Herbst, D.R. 5108 Molokai BISH 1974-11-13
48 Lythrum maritimum unknown Preserved_Specimen Mann, H. 8 BISH 1864-01-01
49 Lythrum maritimum Pookanaka paddock, Puukapu, Waimea, S.Kohala Preserved_Specimen 1-2' branching shrub Hosaka, E.Y. 2150 Hawaii BISH 1938-06-02
50 Lythrum maritimum Kokee, Kawai Kinana Stream below dam on Mohihi Rd Preserved_Specimen petals dark pink Flynn, T.W. 1143 Kauai BISH 1985-07-10
51 Lythrum maritimum Oahu Preserved_Specimen Didrichsen, D.F. Oahu BISH 1845-01-01
52 Lythrum maritimum Na Pali Trail Preserved_Specimen Corn, C. Kauai BISH 1984-07-20
53 Lythrum maritimum Maunalei Valley Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 935 Lanai BISH 1930-02-11
54 Lythrum maritimum Maunalei Valley Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 70 Lanai BISH 1913-09-06
55 Lythrum maritimum Main ridge Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 176 Lanai BISH 1927-08-01
56 Lythrum maritimum Lanaihale Preserved_Specimen Ordonez, E. 5476 Lanai BISH 1940-07-28
57 Lythrum maritimum Molokai Preserved_Specimen Stokes, J.F.G. 9 Molokai BISH 1909-01-01
58 Lythrum maritimum Kamakou Preserve, near beginning of Hanalilolilo Trail Preserved_Specimen Wagner, W.L. 5402 Molokai BISH 1984-07-17
59 Lythrum maritimum Kipahulu Valley, Haleakala National Park, W Camp Preserved_Specimen Russell, C.A. 568 Maui BISH 1984-03-03
60 Lythrum maritimum Kilauea Preserved_Specimen Faurie, A. 845 Hawaii BISH 1909-05-01
61 Lythrum maritimum Lualailua, S slope of Haleakala Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 2000 Maui BISH 1920-03-17
62 Lythrum maritimum Diamond Head, bottom of crater Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 10547 Oahu BISH 1930-05-10
63 Lythrum maritimum Halemanu Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 2393 Kauai BISH 1909-02-14
64 Lythrum maritimum Kilauea Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. Hawaii BISH 1908-01-01
65 Lythrum maritimum Tantalus Preserved_Specimen Forbes, A. Oahu BISH 1930-07-18
66 Lythrum maritimum Manoa, Aihualama Preserved_Specimen Russell, P. 46 Oahu BISH 1932-07-09
67 Lythrum maritimum Diamond Head, bottom of crater Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 10547 Oahu BISH 1930-05-10
68 Lythrum maritimum Mauna Loa Strip Road, ~2.5 mi from intersection with Kona-Hilo Hwy.; plot 20 Preserved_Specimen Newell, C.L. 167 Hawaii BISH 1966-07-27
69 Lythrum maritimum Lanai Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 153 Lanai BISH
70 Lythrum maritimum Kaiholena, ridge beyond Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 128 Lanai BISH 1912-09-28
71 Lythrum maritimum Waimea Drainage Basin, West side Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 1113 Kauai BISH 1917-07-03
72 Lythrum maritimum Lualailua, S slope of Haleakala Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 2000 Maui BISH 1920-03-17
73 Lythrum maritimum Kalaupapa Trail Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 27 Molokai BISH 1912-06-01
74 Lythrum maritimum Waikolu Valley head Preserved_Specimen Kondo, Y. Molokai BISH 1963-08-18
75 Lythrum maritimum Pali, at the pass Preserved_Specimen Kerr, M. Oahu BISH 1945-06-12
76 Lythrum maritimum Kilauea Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. Hawaii BISH 1911-01-01
77 Lythrum maritimum Hualalai, S slope, Puu Laalaau Preserved_Specimen Kondo, Y. Hawaii BISH 1946-07-09
78 Lythrum maritimum Kipapa - Waiahole Summit Preserved_Specimen Kerr, M. Oahu BISH 1946-07-04
79 Lythrum maritimum East Maui Preserved_Specimen Hillebrand, W.B. Maui BISH
80 Lythrum maritimum Onini Gulch Preserved_Specimen Corn, C. Molokai BISH 1983-09-14
81 Lythrum maritimum Paauhau 2 Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. Hawaii BISH 1909-07-03
82 Lythrum maritimum Halemanu Preserved_Specimen Neal, M.C. Kauai BISH 1929-08-30
83 Lythrum maritimum Molokai Preserved_Specimen Stokes, J.F.G. Molokai BISH 1909-01-01
84 Lythrum maritimum Kokee Preserved_Specimen Neal, M.C. Kauai BISH 1930-08-21
85 Lythrum maritimum Olea, Puna Preserved_Specimen Pukui, M.K. Hawaii BISH 1931-01-01
86 Lythrum maritimum Oahu Preserved_Specimen Rémy, J. Oahu BISH 1851-01-01
87 Lythrum maritimum Tantalus Ridge Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. Oahu BISH 1908-10-29
88 Lythrum maritimum Diamond Head Crater, Honolulu grassy flat Preserved_Specimen Flowers lavender-pink Fosberg, F.R. 13899 Oahu BISH 1937-05-28
89 Lythrum maritimum NE rim of Haleakala Crater Deschampsia tussocks near trail Preserved_Specimen Harrison, B. 505 Maui BISH 1973-11-09
90 Lythrum maritimum Lyon Arboretum, between Sections 6 and 7 steep face at the base of the cliff at head of stream. Sunny in morning. Very well drained Preserved_Specimen Baker, R.F. 134 Oahu BISH 1975-07-07
91 Lythrum maritimum Keauhou Ranch, (TKB 3900'). On Keamoku aa lava flow On `a`a lava. Growing with Metrosideros, Styphelia scrub. Preserved_Specimen Creeping herb 5 high, area 4' x 5'. Clarke, G. 80.302 Hawaii BISH 1980-02-21
92 Lythrum maritimum East Maui, Hana District, N Fork of Waiohonu along streambank with introduced grasses Preserved_Specimen Harrison, B. 2628 Maui BISH 1972-07-21
93 Lythrum maritimum Lyon Arboretum, between Sections 6 and 7 steep face at the base of the cliff at head of stream. Sunny in morning. Very well drained Preserved_Specimen Baker, R.F. 134 Oahu BISH 1975-07-07
94 Lythrum maritimum Kau Road old lava flow Preserved_Specimen Giffard, W.M. Hawaii BISH 1927-06-11
95 Lythrum maritimum Waimea, Puu Ka Pele Forest Reserve on W side of Canyon, just E of Hwy. 550 steep slopes and open grassy areas with remnants of dry mixed mesophytic forest of Acacia koa, Metrosideros and Myrsine; in clearings Preserved_Specimen trailing, woody stems. Corolla pale purple, stems and old leaves reddish. Lorence, D.H. 5231 Kauai BISH 1987-05-15
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