Euphorbia celastroides is a flowering plant in the family Euphorbiaceae. It is referred to by the common name akoko by Hawaiians, and is a species of spurge closely related to the poinsettia.[1] This species develops into a round-shape shrub. This species is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.
Euphorbia celastroides grows as a medium-sized shrub or small tree reaching 2m (07feet) in height.[2] To grow properly, this species requires temperatures of 15C and light shade. This plant develops in a fashion similar to a shrub. In the summer, it assumes a red-violet colouring. It does not lose its leaves in the winter, due to the warm climate of its range. Female flowers have a three-part pistil over a three-part ovary, usually producing three (or sometimes more) seeds.[3] This species is tolerant of heat and drought. They are susceptible to fungal diseases. Its cyathia may be located in short or open-branched cymes, or remain ungrouped in leaf axils. The leaves are distichous (grow in two vertical rows) and may have a glaucous coating. This plant produces a green or brown, rounded fruit 2 to 4 mm long, containing grey-brown seeds 0.5 to 2.5 mm long.
Most varieties of this species can only be found in the Hawaiian Islands.[4] [5] E. celastroides is tolerant of drought and grows in dry areas, inland as well coastal.[6] This species is endemic to the polihale and kanaio regions of Kauai and Maui.[7]
Euphorbia celastroides has not yet been evaluated by the IUCN.[8] However, due to its endemic nature, it is very vulnerable to human threats. Two examples of such threats are four-wheeled vehicles (which crush the plant) and introduced species (which compete for resources).
This plant has many varieties. These varieties include:[9]