House of the (Rising) Sun

Bathed in golden morning light, a Haleakalā silversword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum) unfurls its spiky leaves like rays of its own sun. Endemic to the high elevations of Haleakalā on Maui, this endangered plant is a botanical marvel—its silvery hairs reflect sunlight to reduce water loss in the harsh alpine environment. A symbol of resilience and adaptation, thriving where few species dare.