Rock's broomspurge

Description

Euphorbia rockii (syn. Chamaesyce rockii) is a rare species of flowering plant in the euphorb family known by the common names Koolau Range sandmat and Rock's broomspurge. It is endemic to O-ahu, Hawaii, where it is known only from the Ko-olau Mountains. There are 200 to 300 plants remaining. Like other Hawaiian euphorbs, this plant is known locally as -akoko.The remaining plants exist in fewer than 10 subpopulations on the peaks of the Ko-olau Mountains, where they often grow in wet forests and shrublands.The plant is threatened by the destruction and degradation of its habitat. The main agents of damage to the habitat are feral pigs and non-native plant species such as strawberry guava (Psidium littorale) and Koster's curse (Clidemia hirta).This is a federally listed endangered species of the United States.