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Hawaiʻi silversword facts for kids

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Hawaiʻi silversword
Haleakalasilversword.jpg
Haleakala silversword (A. sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum)
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Argyroxiphium
Species:
sandwicense

Argyroxiphium sandwicense, the Hawaiʻi silversword, or hinahina is a species of silversword. It is endemic to Hawaii. The two subspecies are separated by geography. Both subspecies are rare, threatened and federally protected.

Reproduction

The silversword flowers only once in its lifespan of 20 to 90 years.

Natural History

One of the reasons that the silversword is now an endangered species is the introduction of foreign hoofed mammals (ungulates) by European colonizers. As the population of ungulates (most notably sheep) grew, the population of silversword decreased. (Robichaux, 1997)

Threats

One study found that it may not survive climate change.

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