Akoko
/
(Euphorbia degeneri)
Akoko (Euphorbia degeneri)
/
stinger
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
stinger
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: stinger | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: stinger | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-02-20T16:14:21-08:00 |
Summary
Euphorbia degeneri, commonly known as Akoko, Degener’s Spurge, or Beach Sandmat, is an evergreen shrub native to the Hawaiian Islands. It thrives in a variety of habitats including dry forests, subalpine shrublands, and occasionally in coastal areas, but more typically away from the immediate shoreline. It can reach a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and a similar width, with a compact and branching growth habit.
Euphorbia degeneri is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in challenging environments, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It features small, inconspicuous flowers surrounded by colorful bracts that can range from yellow to red, adding a subtle interest to the garden. The plant is also culturally significant in Hawaii, where it is used in traditional lei making. In cultivation, it requires minimal care, thriving in full sun to part shade and preferring well-draining sandy or loamy soils. Gardeners should handle this plant with care, as the sap can be irritating to the skin and toxic if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0
Euphorbia degeneri is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in challenging environments, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It features small, inconspicuous flowers surrounded by colorful bracts that can range from yellow to red, adding a subtle interest to the garden. The plant is also culturally significant in Hawaii, where it is used in traditional lei making. In cultivation, it requires minimal care, thriving in full sun to part shade and preferring well-draining sandy or loamy soils. Gardeners should handle this plant with care, as the sap can be irritating to the skin and toxic if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Width: 2-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to dry forests, subalpine shrublands, and occasionally coastal areas in the Hawaiian Islands
Other Names
Common Names: Degener’s Spurge, Beach Sandmat
Scientific Names: Euphorbia degeneri, Anisophyllum cordatum, Chamaesyce cordata, Chamaesyce degeneri, Chamaesyce degeneri var. molokaiensis, Euphorbia cordata, Euphorbia degeneri var. molokaiensis, Euphorbia degeneri var. typica
GBIF Accepted Name: Euphorbia degeneri