The BioFiles - Bill Hubick

Hawaiian Silversword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense) (1)

Source: Wikipedia

Argyroxiphium sandwicense
Haleakala silversword (A. sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Argyroxiphium
Species:
A. sandwicense
Binomial name
Argyroxiphium sandwicense

Argyroxiphium sandwicense, the Hawaiʻi silversword, or hinahina[2] is a species of silversword. It is endemic to Hawaii. The two subspecies are separated by geography.[3] Both subspecies are rare, threatened and federally protected.

Reproduction

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

Natural history

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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

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One study found that it may not survive climate change.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Bruegmann, M.M. & Caraway, V. (2003). "Argyroxiphium sandwicense". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 208. IUCN. e.T44157A10865179. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2003.RLTS.T44157A10865179.en.
  2. ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "​Argyroxiphium sandwicense​". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  3. ^ "Argyroxiphium sandwicense". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  4. ^ "Comprehensive Report Species - Argyroxiphium sandwicense". explorer.natureserve.org.
  5. ^ "The Hawaiian silversword: another warning on climate change". Mongabay Environmental News. May 6, 2013.
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