Argyroxiphium sandwicense explained

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.

• Haleakala silversword (A. sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum) is found on the mountain Haleakalā on the island of Maui at elevations above . It is a federally listed threatened species.
• Mauna Kea silversword (A. sandwicense subsp. sandwicense) is found on the mountain Mauna Kea on the Hawaii Island at elevations above . It is a federally listed endangered species. As few as 40 individuals are left.^[1]

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.^[2]

References

• Robichaux. Robert H.. Friar. Elizabeth A.. Mount. David W.. 1997-10-16. Molecular Genetic Consequences of a Population Bottleneck Associated with Reintroduction of the Mauna Kea Silversword (Arg yroxiphium sandwicense ssp. sandwicense [Asteraceae]). Consecuencias Genetico-Moleculares de un Cuello de Botella Poblacional Asociado con la Reintroduccion de la Espada Plateada de Mauna Kea (Argyroxiphium sandwicense ssp. sandwicense [Asteraceae])]. Conservation Biology. en. 11. 5. 1140–1146. 10.1046/j.1523-1739.1997.96314.x. 83819334 . 0888-8892.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Comprehensive Report Species - Argyroxiphium sandwicense. explorer.natureserve.org.
2. Web site: The Hawaiian silversword: another warning on climate change. May 6, 2013. Mongabay Environmental News.