In the Garden
‘Akoko
HUI KU MAOLI OLA
The flowers of the 'Akoko are tiny and yellow, but its light bluish green leaves are what lend vivid color to rocky landscapes.
Latin name: Chamaesyce celasroides The name for this plant, 'akoko, which means "blood," is derived from its leaves, which turn blood red before falling off. The plant also "bleeds" a milky sap when injured.Description: Erect shrubs with thick, glabrous leaves. This attractive plant has light bluish green leaves with tiny yellow, insignificant (for landscape purposes) flowers. It forms a dense bush reaching up to 6 feet tall.
Distribution: This particular species is endemic to the islands of Kauai, Niihau and Nihoa, where it is found near or on the coast.
Landscape use: This beautiful plant's vivid color adds remarkable contrast as an excellent accent or specimen plant around rocky areas. Its density also makes it ideal for a medium-size hedge. This type of 'akoko is tolerant of sun, drought and wind once established in the ground, and few pests, if any, affect it.
Rick Barboza co-owns Hui Ku Maoli Ola, a native Hawaiian plant nursery, with Matt Schirman. "In the Garden" runs Fridays.
Gardening Calendar
In the Garden runs Fridays in Today.
