Euphorbia rockii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Euphorbia rockii |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Euphorbia
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| Species: |
rockii
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| Synonyms | |
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Chamaesyce rockii |
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Euphorbia rockii is a very rare flowering plant. It's also known as the Koolau Range sandmat or Rock's broomspurge. In Hawaii, people call plants like this ʻakoko. This special plant only grows on the island of Oʻahu, in the Koʻolau Mountains. There are only about 200 to 300 of these plants left in the world.
What is Euphorbia rockii?
This plant is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the spurge family. This family has many different kinds of plants. Euphorbia rockii is unique because it is endemic to Hawaii. This means it naturally grows nowhere else in the world.
Where Does This Plant Live?
The Koolau Range sandmat lives only on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaii. It grows on the high peaks of the Koʻolau Mountains. You can often find it in wet forests and shrublands there. These areas are usually very rainy. The plants live in small groups, with fewer than 10 such groups remaining.
Why is Euphorbia rockii Endangered?
This plant is listed as an endangered species by the United States government. This means it is in danger of disappearing forever. The main reasons it is endangered are:
- Habitat Loss: The places where it grows are being destroyed or damaged.
- Wild Animals: Feral pigs cause a lot of harm. They dig up the ground and eat plants. This damages the plant's home.
- Invasive Plants: Other plants that are not native to Hawaii are a big problem. These non-native plants grow very fast. They take over the space and resources that Euphorbia rockii needs. Examples include strawberry guava (Psidium littorale) and Koster's curse (Clidemia hirta).
Protecting these rare plants helps keep Hawaii's unique nature safe.
