Euphorbia scottsbergii var. skottsbergii
formerly Chamaesyce scottsbergii var. scottsbergii
Euphorbiaceae or Spurge family
Synonyms: Chamaesyce skottsbergii, Chamaesyce skottsbergii var. audens, Chamaesyce skottsbergii var. kalaeloana, Euphorbia multiformis f. pekelonis, Euphorbia skottsbergii, Euphorbia skottsbergii var. audens, Euphorbia skottsbergii var. kalaeloana
ʻAkoko
ʻEkoko, Koko, Kōkōmālei
Coastal sandmat???, ‘Ewa Plains ‘akoko
Natural Range & Environment
endemic endangered southwest O/ northwest Mo
This species of ʻakoko is found among coastal vegetation and dry shrubland, apparently restricted to calcareous (calcium carbonate or limestone) habitats.
The fedearlly endangered variety skottsbergii is restricted to Kalaeloa around the Barber's Point (Naval Air Station) vacinity on Oʻahu, and on northwest Molokaʻi from Waiakanapō and Pōhakumauliuli to Moʻomomi. [1]
Even though there are separate island populations of var. skottsbergii, on Molokaʻi this variety appears to be genetically closer to the variety vaccinioides than it does to the Oʻahu var. skottsbergii. Thus, C. Morden & M. Gregoritza suggest that it "should be recognized by the previously used variety name, C. skottsbergii var. audens." [2]
Euphorbia scottsbergii var. skottsbergii has male and female flowers that develop side-by-side on the same plant. Here you can see a yellow male flower (with a single stamen) next to a ripe (upright) fruit capsule nearly ready to explode. Below are two green and white female flowers and one unripe (bent downward) fruit (Photograph courtesy of Joel Lau ©.). Both wild and cultivated ‘akoko are frequently visited by ladybird beetles which keep the plants primary pests, scale insects and mealybugs, in check. No, these ‘akoko are not dead! During the multiple dry periods of the year, this species drops all or most of its leaves to conserve water (Photograph courtesy of kairigney CC BY-NC 4.0.). A much younger self (Koebele) standing among a patch of outplanted mature (about 4 ft [1.2 m] tall) Euphorbia scottsbergii var. skottsbergii.
Description
endangered
Partially Woody / Shrub-like
Shrub, Dwarf, Less than 2
Shrub, Small, 2 to 6
About 5 to 6 feet in width.
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Leaf Colors
Dark Green
Medium Green
The pungent flowers of ʻakoko have been described as smelling like bad breath. [Kim Starr, United States Geological Survey-Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit]
Brownish
Greenish-White
Blooming Period
Year Round
Sporadic
Plants begin growing and flowering with the winter rain and throughout the wet season. When the dry season comes, the plants began to loose leaves and eventually beome dormant in the summer peak drought season. The winter wet season again initiates the growth and flowering cycle. [1]
After flowering, tiny fruiting capsules are formed. Upon ripening the capsules split and explosively cast (dehiscent) the tiny seeds abroad. They easily germinate under moist and partial sun conditions. The seedlings can at first be mistaken for some of the taller weedy spurges that plague many urban yards. But before pulling up the "weed," take the time to identify the difference between an ubiquitous spurge and a very rare ʻakoko. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Growth Requirements
General
Accent
Container
This graceful shrub (var. skottsbergii) can be used in the landscape to lessen the harshness of an otherwise hot, dry location and does well on a west, southwest or south facing area. Black or red cinder or clean coral "rock" provide a natural mulch as well as highlight the tiny leaves. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Water Requirements
Dry
Soil must be well drained
Full sun
Partial sun
This ʻakoko can grow in partial sun, but definitely prefers long days of full sun. This is a great plant to use on a west, south, or south-west location in the landscape. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
For denser plantings, perhaps 3 to 4 feet apart. To showcase these delicate shrubs, perhaps 5 or more feet apart. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Tolerances
Drought
Wind
Salt Spray
Heat
Soils
Sand
Cinder
Coral
This ʻakoko does appreciate foliar feedings of fish or keep emulsion monthly or every other month on a regular basis. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Little or no pruning required, but does taking moderate pruning well if needed. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Pests and Diseases
Whiteflies and spider mites on underside of leaves and sometimes scale along stems. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
ʻAkoko is occasionally attacked by mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, and whiteflies. However, this is rare, and, in the case of mature plants, the pests often disappear over time, probably due to natural predators such as ladybird beetles or leaf shedding. ʻAkoko's milky sap may also deter many pests. Refer to the Pests & Diseases page for ways to deal with each of these pests. Persistent infestations are more likely if you have placed your ‘akoko in an unnatural environment, such as a heavily-shaded or windless site; consider moving your plant to a sunnier and windier location rather than resorting to continued chemical treatments.
Another ʻakoko pest is the giant African snail (Lissachatina fulica), which will come out of its hiding place at night and girdle the stems or eat the leaves of ‘akoko; girdled stems eventually die. If this happens, first try to solve the problem by moving your ʻakoko to a safer location. Also, closely inspect your container to make sure the snail(s) are not living inside. Refer to the Pests & Diseases page for other ways to deal with snails.
Uses
Ancient Hawaiian
There are about 17 endemic species of ‘akoko found in Hawai‘i, depending on which taxonomist you talk to. All possess a milky sap. According to Krauss [1993], the sap was used in the paint for canoe hulls.
Pukui & Elbert [1986] state that Euphorbia (Chamaesyce) multiformis leaves and buds were chewed to treat debility. This claim likely originates from Ka‘aiakamanu & Akina [1922], who recommended this practice for mothers and babies.
Note: The milky sap of all Euphorbia species can cause skin irritation, warts, and, despite the claims above, should not be ingested without medical supervision due to potential toxicity.
Modern
Special Features and Information
General
ʻAkoko belong to the Spurge or Euphorbia family (Euphorbiaceae). The genus has recently been chnged from Chamaesyce to Euphorbia.
Euphorbiaceae is a large family with about 7,500 species within 300 genera, found on all the continents except Antarctica, with the greatest diversity in the tropics. Some well-known non-native relatives of ʻakoko are the Castor oil plant (Ricinus communis), kukui (Aleurites moluccana), poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), cassava (Manihot esculenta), and the Pará rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) from which we get latex [WikipediA;Euphorbiaceae].
There are currently (2026) 17 native species of Euphorbia in Hawai‘i — all endemic to the Islands. Several species are either vulnerable, rare, or endangered, and two varieties are considered to be extinct [Flora of the Hawaiian Islands]. They range in stature from very prostrate shrubs like Euphorbia degeneri to tall trees like Euphorbia haeleeleana and Euphorbia olowaluana [Wagner et al. 1990].
In addition to the many endemic Euphorbia species, the only other member of Euphorbiaceae native to Hawai‘i is the endemic poʻolā (Claoxylon sandwicense) [Flora of the Hawaiian Islands].
The two currently recognized Chamesyce skottsbergii varieties are separated by the following characteristics:
Variety skottsbergii is an overall smaller plant with toothed (serrate) or sometimes smooth edged leaves usually less than 3/4 of an inch (2 cm.).
Variety vaccinioides is a more robust plant with smooth edged (entire) leaves usually more than 3/4 of an inch (2 cm.). [2]
Hawaiian Name
ʻAkoko comes from the Hawaiian word for blood, koko. This is likely a reference to the red, or blood-colored, seed capsules that look like drops of blood on many Hawaiian Euphorbia species [Krauss 1993, Neal 1965]. Alternatively, some believe the name comes from the observation that ‘akoko leaves, when damaged, often turn red, giving the appearance that the plant bleeds when it is injured.
Etymology
Euphorbia is named after Euphorbos, a Greek physician of King Juba II of Numidia and Mauretania (52–50 BC – 23 AD), who married the daughter of Anthony and Cleopatra [WikipediA; Euphorbia].
The former genus name, Chamaesyce, is derived from the ancient Greek words, χαμαί (khamaí), meaning “near the ground,” and συκῆ (sukê), meaning "fig-tree," perhaps referring to the low habit of most species and the fig-like appearance of the fruit capsules [Wiktionary;Chamaesyce].
The specific epithet skottsbergii, is named for Prof. Carl Johan Fredrik Skottsberg (1880-1963), a Swedish explorer and plant collector in the Hawaiian Islands and elsewhere.
Additional References
[1] "Recovery Plan for Chamaesyce skottsbergii var. skottsbergii and Achyranthes spendens var. rotundata," by USFWS, pages 4, 10, 13, 14, 17.
[2] "Population variation and phylogeny in the endangered Chamaesyce skottsbergii (Euphorbiaceae) based on RAD and ITS analyses," by Clifford W. Morden & Monica Gregoritza, pages 969-977.
[3] "Plants in Hawaiian Culture" by Beatrice Krauss, page 138.
[4] "In Gardens of Hawaii" by Marie C. Neal, page 516.
BPK