Argyroxiphium sandwicense
| Argyroxiphium sandwicense | |
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| Haleakalā silversword (A. sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum) | |
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| Species: | A. sandwicense
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| Binomial name | |
| Argyroxiphium sandwicense | |
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
- ^ Argyroxiphium sandwicense DC., GRIN Taxonomy for Plants
- ^ The Nature Conservancy
- ^ http://news.mongabay.com/2013/0506-fitzner-hawaiian-silversword.html
External links
Media related to Argyroxiphium sandwicense at Wikimedia Commons- USDA Plants Profile - Argyroxiphium sandwicense (Silverswords)
