Euphorbia celastroides

Euphorbia celastroides grows as a medium-sized shrub or small tree reaching 2 metres (6.6 ft) in height.^[3] To grow properly, this species requires temperatures of 15 °C (59 °F) and light shade.^[4] This plant develops in a fashion similar to a shrub. In the summer, it assumes a red-violet colouring. It does not lose its leaves in the winter, due to the warm climate of its range. Female flowers have a three-part pistil over a three-part ovary, usually producing three (or sometimes more) seeds.^[4] This species is tolerant of heat and drought. They are susceptible to fungal diseases. Its cyathia may be located in short or open-branched cymes, or remain ungrouped in leaf axils. The leaves are distichous (grow in two vertical rows) and may have a glaucous coating. This plant produces a green or brown, rounded fruit 2 to 4 mm long, containing grey-brown seeds 0.5 to 2.5 mm long.^[3]

Most varieties of this species can only be found in the Hawaiian Islands.^[5][6] E. celastroides is tolerant of drought and grows in dry areas, inland as well coastal.^[7] This species is endemic to the polihale and kanaio regions of Kauai and Maui.^[8]