About Argyroxiphium sandwicense DC.
Argyroxiphium sandwicense DC., commonly called the Hawaiʻi silversword or hinahina, is a silversword species endemic to Hawaii. This species is divided into two geographically separated subspecies, and both are rare, threatened, and federally protected.
Haleakala silversword, A. sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum, grows on Haleakalā mountain on the island of Maui at elevations above 2,100 m (6,900 ft), and is a federally listed threatened species. Mauna Kea silversword, A. sandwicense subsp. sandwicense, occurs on Mauna Kea mountain on Hawaii Island at elevations above 2,600 m (8,500 ft). It is a federally listed endangered species, with as few as 40 individuals remaining.
For reproduction, this silversword species flowers only one time during its 20 to 90 year lifespan.
