Euphorbia celastroides | |
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Chamaesyce celastroides ( inflorescence) | |
Scientific classification
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Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Malpighiales |
Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
Genus: | Euphorbia |
Species: | E. celastroides
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Binomial name | |
Euphorbia celastroides | |
Synonyms [1] | |
List
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Euphorbia celastroides is a flowering plant in the family Euphorbiaceae. [1] It is referred to by the common name 'akoko by Hawaiians, and is a species of spurge closely related to the poinsettia. [2] 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 2 metres (6.6 ft) in height. [3] To grow properly, this species requires temperatures of 15 °C (59 °F) and light shade. [4] 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. [4] 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. [3]
Most varieties of this species can only be found in the Hawaiian Islands. [5] [6] E. celastroides is tolerant of drought and grows in dry areas, inland as well coastal. [7] This species is endemic to the polihale and kanaio regions of Kauai and Maui. [8]
Euphorbia celastroides has not yet been evaluated by the IUCN. [9] 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). [8]
This plant has many varieties. These varieties include: [10]