‘Akoko

HUI KU MAOLI OLA

Description: Usually these plants are low, creeping ground covers, but I've seen one population that grows to nearly 3 feet in height and looks more shrublike. All have small, light blue-green rounded leaves that attach directly to the stem, usually by a short petiole, or stem that connects the leaf to the branch. Their branches are usually very brittle, soft toward the tip and become very woody toward the plant's base. The nodes appear evenly spaced and are somewhat bulbous, making the plant look jointed. Leaves are on either side of the nodes, giving the plant symmetry. Small, yellowish-green flowers protrude from the leaf axis and hang curved down from the flowering stem. Once pollinated, each flower develops into a domed seed capsule containing about three small seeds.

Distribution: This plant is found scattered throughout coastal sites, usually in strand vegetation accompanied by other plants like pa'u o hi'iaka, 'ilima papa, pohinahina and nehe. It is found on all of the large main islands except Lanai and Kahoolawe.

Landscape use and care: These plants look great as accents around rocks or in combination with other coastal plants like those mentioned above. They thrive in full sun and require little watering once established. Few pests, if any, bother this plant, making it very easy to care for.

Extra information: Of the 22 species of Chamaesyce found in Hawaii, 15 are endemic, and many of those are either endangered or are on the brink of being listed as an endangered species. All are called 'akoko but can also be referred to as koko, 'ekoko or kokomalei. These names are derived from the Hawaiian word "koko," which means "blood," in reference to older leaves that turn blood red before dropping off, and perhaps due to the plants' milky white sap, which drips from broken branches and leaves.