Scattered on cinder in alpine zone of Haleakala on Maui. Narrow
leaves' silver hairs reflect UV radiation and gel-filled core stores
moisture. Blooms once then dies. Threatened with extinction
due to grazing, habitat alteration, trampling of delicate root system,
and loss of natural pollinators.
Endangered subspecies sandwicense
occurs as a single population on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. Flowers in
each subspecies differ substantially.