| Euphorbia celastroides | |
|---|---|
| Chamaesyce celastroides (inflorescence) | |
| Conservation status | |
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Not evaluated (IUCN 3.1)
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Subfamily: | Euphorbioideae |
| Tribe: | Euphorbieae |
| Subtribe: | Euphorbiinae |
| Genus: | Euphorbia |
| Subgenus: | Chamaesyce |
| Species: | E. celastroides |
| Binomial name | |
| Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. |
|
| Synonyms | |
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Chamaesyce celastroides |
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Euphorbia celastroides, sometimes also known as Chamaesyce celastroides, 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. E. celastroides is one of many species of its genus sometimes used in alternative treatments of cancer, especially prostate cancer.[2]
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E. 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]
E. 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]
E. celastroides, amongst many other species of its genus, is sometimes used as an alternative treatment for cancer.[10][11]
This plant has many varieties. These varieties include:[12]