The Mauna Kea silversword, also known as the flower of patience, is a rare and endangered species of flowering plant native to the island of Hawaii.

It is a member of the Asteraceae family, which includes other well-known plants like sunflowers and daisies. The Mauna Kea silversword gets its common name from its silvery, sword-shaped leaves that are arranged in a rosette. The leaves are covered in fine white hairs which help to protect the plant from the intense sun and high winds of its native habitat.

The plant is a long-lived perennial, remaining vegetative for many years before it produces a flowering stalk. The stalk can reach up to 6 feet tall and is covered with hundreds of small, bright red or orange flowers. The Mauna Kea silversword blooms once in its lifetime, after which it dies. The flower of patience is also a great symbol of resilience, it can live up to 50 years before blooming, and it can survive in harsh environments and harsh weather conditions.

The Mauna Kea silversword is considered an endangered species due to habitat loss and overgrazing by introduced mammals. Efforts have been made to protect and conserve the remaining populations of this unique and beautiful plant.

Text credit: Earth Unreal Photo credit: Faintlydevour82