Argyroxiphium sandwicense
| Argyroxiphium sandwicense | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Haleakalā silversword (A. sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum) | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Argyroxiphium |
| Species: | A. sandwicense |
| Binomial name | |
| Argyroxiphium sandwicense DC. | |
The plant species Argyroxiphium sandwicense is a kind of silversword. It is endemic to Hawaii. There are two subspecies which are separated by geography.[1] Both subspecies are rare, threatened, and federally protected.
- Haleakala silversword (A. sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum) is found on the mountain Haleakalā on the island of Maui at elevations above 2,100 meters. It is a federally listed threatened species.
- Mauna Kea silversword (A. sandwicense subsp. sandwicense) is found on the mountain Mauna Kea on the Big Island at elevations above 2,600 meters. This is a federally listed endangered species. There may be only 40 wild individuals left.[2]
Recent findings
The Hawaiian silversword flowers only once in its life of 20 to 90 years. It may not survive the ravages of climate change, according to a new study in Global Change Biology.[3]
Notes
External links
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Media related to Argyroxiphium sandwicense at Wikimedia Commons - USDA Plants Profile - Argyroxiphium sandwicense (Silverswords)