Men on horseback next to silversword plants on Haleakalā Crater
About this photograph
- Creator
- Margery H. Freeman
- Date created
- Unknown
- Location
- Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
- License
- This photograph copyright ©2009. All Rights Reserved
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- Search LEARN NC for Haleakala National Park, Haleakala silversword, Hawaii, HI, islands, Maui, national parks, plants, silversword, silversword plant, and threatened species.
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Two men on horseback next to Haleakalā silversword plants on Haleakalā Crater. The men are both wearing raincoats as protection against the elements. The Haleakalā silversword has been considered a threatened species since 1922, when over-grazing by cattle and goats and damage to the plant’s habitat almost caused its extinction. It is found only in Haleakalā National Park on and near the Haleakalā volcano. The plant’s leaves are covered in tiny hairs that prevent water loss, and the low, rosette shape of the converging leaves keeps the growing center of the plant warm. The silversword produces a tall stalk of maroon ray flowers when it reaches maturity.
