Plant Profile
Lysimachia mauritiana
Main Plant Information
Genus
Lysimachia
Species
mauritiana
Common Names
- Spoonleaf yellow loosestrife
Names with Unknown Sources
- Kolokolo kahakai
- Ocean primrose
Plant Characteristics
Distribution Status
Indigenous
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Partially Woody / Shrub-like
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Herbaceous, Short, Less than 1
- Herbaceous, Medium, 1-3
Mature Size, Width
Plants have a 1- to 2-foot spread.
Life Span
Short lived (Less than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Container
- Ground Cover
Additional Landscape Use Information
Though this lysimachia is a perennial, it sometimes grows more like an annual. So it is best to collect seeds for future propagation or they will reseed on their own if the area is moist. With sufficient watering this species does well in clay, cement or hanging pots on a sunny lānai. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Characteristics
Flower Type
Not Showy
Flower Colors
- Pink
- White
Additional Flower Color Information
These plants have small white bell-shaped flowers with a pink tinge. [1]
Blooming Period
- Year Round
- Sporadic
Leaf Characteristics
Plant texture
- Coarse
Leaf Colors
- Light Green
- Medium Green
Pests and Diseases
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Plants are prone to ants, scale, mealy bugs, thrips and aphids.
Growth Requirements
Fertilizer
An application of a balanced slow release fertilize with minor elements at planting time can be done and if plants exceed six months, another application will be required. Foliar feed monthly with kelp or fish emulsion, or a water-soluble fertilizer with a dilution of one half to one third of recommended strength. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Pruning Information
Remove dead plants after flowering period. Shake seeds off into soil to await germination or collect and put into a paper bag or envelope and store in refrigerator for future plantings. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Water Requirements
- Dry
Additional Water Information
Plants can tolerate both dry and moist conditions.
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Additional Lighting Information
Full sun with good watering is optimal.
Spacing Information
Usually 6 to 10 inches apart. If grown thickly, it forms a beautiful groundcover and will reseed and grow new plants on the site under moist conditions. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Tolerances
- Drought
- Wind
- Salt Spray
Soils
- Cinder
- Organic
- Coral
Limitations
One our few native plants that will usually need to be replanted every 6 to 12 months due to its annual-like nature.
Environmental Information
Natural Range
- Niʻihau
- Kauaʻi
- Molokaʻi
- Maui
- Hawaiʻi
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- Less than 150, 0 to 50 (Dry)
Additional Habitat Information
It is apparently rare throughout its Hawaiian range and known to grow on coastal rocks, sea cliffs and gravel beaches in scattered locations. On Hawaiʻi Island it is found only in the northwest area of the island.
Special Features and Information
General Information
Recently the genus Lysimachia has been placed in the Myrsine family (Myrsinaceae).
To date, there are thirteen endemic and one indigenous species native species in the Hawaiian Islands.
Etymology
The generic name Lysimachia is derived from the Greek lysis , release from, and mache , strife. Tradition relates that when Lysimachus, King of Thrace in Asia Minor (306-281 BCE), was chased by a bull he waved a plant of this genus to pacify the animal, thus releasing himself from strife. The common name for plants in this genus is loosestrife.
The specific epithet mauritiana refers to the island of Mauritius.
Background Information
No Hawaiian name is yet known for this plant.
Modern Use
The flower clusters look great in lei. [Rick Barboza, Hui Kū Maoli Ola]
Additional References
[1] A Taxonomic Revision of the Endemic Hawaiian Lysimachia (Primulaceae) Including Three New Species by Pacific Science (1997), vol. 51, no. 3: 254-287 by University of Hawaiʻi Press.
