Hawaiian silversword  (Argyroxiphium sandwicense)

Biology

These plants only flower once in their lifetime, the silver rosettes grow for a number of years before the inflorescence ascends skywards (3). Flowers appear from mid-June to November (2), and after the seeds have been shed the whole plant dies (4). These exotic-looking plants are ideally suited to their harsh environment; the silver leaves reflect the sun's rays whilst their shape prevents moisture loss and protects the more delicate centre of the plant from predation (4).

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