Euphorbia celastroides facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Euphorbia celastroides |
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| Chamaesyce celastroides (inflorescence) | |
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Euphorbia
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celastroides
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Euphorbia celastroides is a special flowering plant from the Euphorbiaceae family. People in Hawaii call it 'akoko. This plant is a type of spurge, which is a group of plants closely related to the well-known poinsettia. The akoko usually grows into a round-shaped bush or shrub. It is a unique plant because it is only found in the Hawaiian Islands. This means it is an endemic species.
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What Does the Akoko Plant Look Like?
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The Euphorbia celastroides, or akoko, grows as a medium-sized shrub or a small tree. It can reach about 2 metres (6.6 ft) (6.5 feet) tall. For this plant to grow well, it needs temperatures around 15 °C (59 °F) (59°F) and a bit of shade.
Leaves and Color
The akoko plant grows in a way that makes it look like a bush. In the summer, its leaves can turn a pretty red-violet color. Since Hawaii has a warm climate all year, the akoko does not lose its leaves in the winter. Its leaves grow in two vertical rows, which is called "distichous." Sometimes, the leaves might have a glaucous coating, which makes them look a bit waxy or bluish-green.
Flowers and Fruit
The female flowers of the akoko have a three-part pistil (the part that receives pollen). This pistil sits over a three-part ovary, which is where the seeds develop. Usually, the plant produces three seeds, but sometimes it can make more.
The flowers of the akoko are called cyathia. These special flowers can grow in small groups called cymes. They can also grow by themselves in the axils, which are the angles between a leaf and the stem.
The akoko produces a small, rounded fruit. This fruit is either green or brown and is about 2 to 4 millimeters long. Inside the fruit, there are grey-brown seeds that are very tiny, only about 0.5 to 2.5 millimeters long.
Plant Health
This plant is quite tough! It can handle hot weather and dry conditions. However, it can sometimes get sick from fungal diseases.
Where Does the Akoko Plant Grow?
Most types of Euphorbia celastroides are found only in the Hawaiian Islands. This plant is very good at living in dry places. You can find it in dry areas both inland and along the coast. Specifically, this plant is native to the Polihale region on Kauai and the kanaio region on Maui.
Why the Akoko Plant Needs Our Help
The Euphorbia celastroides has not yet been officially checked by the IUCN. The IUCN is a group that helps protect plants and animals around the world.
Because the akoko only grows in Hawaii, it is very special and also very sensitive to human activities. It is vulnerable to many threats. For example, off-road vehicles can accidentally crush the plants. Also, introduced species (plants or animals brought to Hawaii from other places) can compete with the akoko for important resources like water and sunlight. This makes it harder for the akoko to survive.
Many Types of Akoko
The akoko plant has many different varieties. These varieties are like different versions of the same plant, each with slightly unique features. Scientists have identified several varieties of Euphorbia celastroides across the Hawaiian Islands.
See also
In Spanish: Euphorbia celastroides para niños
