Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. sandwicense flowers

'Ahinahina or Mauna Kea silversword. These spectacular plants bloom once and then die. Endemic to Hawai'i Island, they were almost wiped out by herds of feral sheep and goats. Now, with the summit of Mauna Kea protected and the feral animals removed to lower elevations, the silverswords are recolonizing the mountain, helped by massive replanting efforts.

 

Note pollen on the sticky flower stems.

 

There is a similar species endemic to Haleakala on Maui.

 

Mauna Kea, Hawaii Island, Hawaii.

Done