The Mauna Kea silversword (the flower of patience) is a really special plant that grows only in Hawaii. It’s part of the same family as sunflowers and daisies (the Asteraceae family), but it looks completely different.
The plant has these long, pointy leaves that look like swords and are covered in white hairs. These hairs help protect the plant from the strong sun and wind on the island.
The stalk can grow up to 6 feet tall and is covered in hundreds of little red or orange flowers.