Kaua'i spurge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kauaʻi spurge |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Euphorbia
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| Species: |
haeleeleana
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The Kauaʻi spurge (scientific name: Euphorbia haeleeleana) is a special type of flowering plant. It belongs to the croton family, called Euphorbiaceae. This plant is found only on the islands of Kauaʻi and Oʻahu in Hawaii. When a plant or animal is found only in one specific place, it is called endemic. In Hawaii, this plant is also known by its Hawaiian name, `akoko.
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Where the Kauaʻi Spurge Lives
The Kauaʻi spurge grows in different types of forests in Hawaii. These include dry forests, coastal mesic forests, and mixed mesic forests. "Mesic" means these forests have a medium amount of moisture, not too dry and not too wet.
Forest Homes
You can find this plant growing at elevations from about 205 to 670 meters (670 to 2,200 feet) above sea level. It often shares its home with other native Hawaiian plants.
Plant Neighbors
Some of its plant neighbors include the ʻōhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha), koa (Acacia koa), and lama (Diospyros sandwicensis). Other plants nearby might be kukui (Aleurites moluccanus), ʻaʻaliʻi (Dodonaea viscosa), and wiliwili (Erythrina sandwicensis).
What the Plant Looks Like
The Kauaʻi spurge is a small tree. It can grow to be between 3 and 14 meters (10 to 46 feet) tall. Imagine a tree that can be as tall as a two-story building!
Why the Kauaʻi Spurge Needs Help
Unfortunately, the Kauaʻi spurge is an endangered plant. This means it is at risk of disappearing forever. There are a few main reasons why this plant needs our help.
Losing Its Home
One big problem is habitat loss. This happens when the places where the Kauaʻi spurge lives are damaged or destroyed. For example, land might be cleared for buildings or farms.
Animal and Plant Invaders
Another issue comes from animals like feral pigs and goats. These animals are not native to Hawaii and can damage the forests where the spurge grows. They eat plants and disturb the soil.
Competition from New Plants
Also, non-native plant species (plants brought to Hawaii from other places) can cause problems. These new plants can grow very fast and take over the space and resources that the native Kauaʻi spurge needs to survive. They compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients in the soil.
