Euphorbia haeleeleana

Kauaʻi Spurge
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species: E. haeleeleana
Binomial name
Euphorbia haeleeleana
D.R.Herbst

Euphorbia haeleeleana, the Kauaʻi Spurge, is a species of flowering plant in the croton family, Euphorbiaceae, that is endemic to the islands of Kauaʻi and Oaʻhu in Hawaii. Like other Hawaiian spurges it is known as `akoko.

It inhabits dry, coastal mesic, and mixed mesic forests from 205–670 m (673–2,198 ft). Associated plants include ʻōhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha), koa (Acacia koa), lama (Diospyros sandwicensis), kukui (Aleurites moluccanus), ʻaʻaliʻi (Dodonaea viscosa), wiliwili (Erythrina sandwicensis), hala pepe (Pleomele spp.), ʻohe kukuluāeʻo (Reynoldsia sandwicensis), and āulu (Sapindus oahuensis). Kauaʻi Spurge is a small tree, reaching a height of 3–14 metres (9.8–45.9 ft).[2]

It is threatened by habitat loss and disturbance. Feral pigs and goats damage the habitat and non-native plant species take hold there and compete for resources.[3]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Euphorbia haeleeleana.

References

  1. World Conservation Monitoring Centre 1998. Euphorbia haeleeleana. 2010 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 22 March 2011.
  2. "Euphorbia haeleeleana". CPC National Collection Plant Profiles. Center for Plant Conservation. 2008-01-29. Retrieved 2009-11-14.
  3. USFWS. E. haeleeleana Five-year Review. August 2010.
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