Silversword facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Silversword |
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Argyroxiphium
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The Silversword is a unique plant. It grows only high up on the Island of Maui in Hawaii. You can find it in special places like the Haleakala National Park.
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What Makes Silversword Special?
The Silversword plant looks very striking. It has a round shape, like a rosette. Its leaves are stiff and look like swords. These leaves are covered with shiny silver hairs. This makes the plant stand out!
Its Amazing Flowers
When a Silversword plant is old enough, it flowers. This happens at the end of its life. It grows a tall stalk, from about 1.5 to 6.5 feet high. This stalk can have hundreds of maroon-colored flowers. They look a bit like small sunflowers. This flowering event is truly spectacular!
Where Does It Live?
Silversword plants love high places. They grow on the slopes of the Haleakala Volcano on Maui. This area is often windy and sunny. The silver hairs on their leaves help them survive. They protect the plant from the strong sun and dry air.
Protecting the Silversword
For a long time, the beautiful Silversword plant has fascinated people. In the past, visitors sometimes took plants home. They wanted proof they had reached the volcano's summit. This practice hurt the Silversword population.
Threats to the Plant
Wild goats and farm animals also grazed on the plants. This caused more problems for the Silversword. By the 1920s, there were very few Silversword plants left. People became worried about them.
How People Helped
To save the plant, the Maui Chamber of Commerce asked for help. They sent a special request to the government in Washington, D.C. This led to serious efforts to protect the Silversword. Thanks to these efforts, the plant is now much safer. It is a protected species in Haleakala National Park.
Images for kids
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A screenshot of the Bard from the game Silversword.
