Scientific Name: Chamaesyce celasroides
Endemic: All of HI including Nihoa
Description: Prostrate groundcovers two feet tall or less or erect shrubs up to six feet with thick, glabrous leaves. This very attractive plant has light blue-green leaves with tiny, yellow, insignificant (for landscape purposes) flowers. It forms a very dense bush or nice looking ground cover depending on the variety.
Distribution: This prostrate form of this plant is endemic to the islands of Maui, and Hawaii, while shrub form shown is from Kaua’i, Ni’ihau and Nihoa. Both forms are found near or on the coast. Another form of this plant is an endangered subspecies which has narrower leaves, is a low crawling shrub and is found on O’ahu.
Landscape Use: This beautiful plant makes an excellent accent or specimen plant for around rocky areas. Its vivid, blueish color adds remarkable contrast. Its dense character also makes it good for a medium sized hedge. This type of ‘Akoko is very sun, drought, and wind tolerant once established in the ground and is bothered by few pests if any.
Additional Info: The name for this plant, ‘Akoko, is derived from its leaves which turn blood red before they fall off. The plant also “bleeds” a milky sap when damaged.
Akoko