Euphorbia herbstii | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Malpighiales |
Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
Genus: | Euphorbia |
Species: | E. herbstii
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Binomial name | |
Euphorbia herbstii (W.L.Wagner) Oudejans
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Synonyms | |
Euphorbia clusiifolia
Hook. &
Arn. |
Euphorbia herbstii ( syn. Chamaesyce herbstii) [1] is a rare species of flowering plant in the family Euphorbiaceae known by the common name Herbst's sandmat. It is endemic to Oʻahu, Hawaii, where it is rapidly disappearing. [2] Like other Hawaiian euphorbs, this plant is known locally as ʻakoko. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States.
This plant is usually a tree which can grow up to 8 meters tall. The leaf blades are long and narrow, and the branches bleed a milky sap. The inflorescence is a cluster of cyathia.
This species is known from perhaps four populations [3] in mesic forests on the Waiʻanae Range. [2] Since the year 2000 the plant has undergone a severe decline, with populations extirpated and remaining ones becoming smaller. [2] The exact number of remaining plants is unknown because each survey tallies fewer individuals, while more have been planted in appropriate habitat. [2]
Threats to the species include feral pigs, which uproot and trample vegetation, leading to loss of plant cover and root networks, which then leads to erosion. [2] They pick up the seeds of invasive plant species and transport them to new habitats. [2] Fences have been erected in critical areas to exclude the pigs. [2] Non-native plants affecting the euphorb include silky oak (Grevillea robusta), corky-stem passionflower (Passiflora suberosa), and strawberry guava (Psidium littorale). [2]