The flower head bud of a silverword plant, Haleakala, HI
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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The flower head bud of a Haleakalā silversword plant in Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii. 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.
