Argyroxiphium × kai, commonly known as the Kai silversword, is a hybrid species of silversword plant in the family Asteraceae, and is a part of the silversword alliance. The name derived from the Hawaiian word "kai", which translates to "sea". It was described by David D. Keck in 1936.[1] Argyroxiphium × kai is a natural hybrid between Argyroxiphium caliginis and Argyroxiphium grayanum, so the name Argyroxiphium calignis × grayanum can also apply, but is generally less common. It is endemic to Maui, Hawaii, where it grows between other Argyroxiphium species, primarily the two species that hybridized between each other. The population of the hybrid species is unknown, although it is likely that it may be endangered, or unstable due to invasive feral goats and pigs in its natural habitat.[2] No conservation status has been assigned to Argyroxiphium × kai by the IUCN Red List, for it is a hybrid species, so a conservation status does not apply.[3]
| Argyroxiphium × kai | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Argyroxiphium |
| Species: | A. × kai
|
| Binomial name | |
| Argyroxiphium × kai (C.N.Forbes) D.D.Keck
| |
| Synonyms | |
|
Argyroxiphium caliginis var. kai C.N.Forbes | |
References
edit- ^ "Argyroxiphium × kai (C.N.Forbes) D.D.Keck | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
- ^ "Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin". www.wildflower.org. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ "Frequently Asked Questions". IUCN Red List. 2023.