[1] It is referred to by the common name 'akoko by Hawaiians, and is a species of spurge closely related to the poinsettia.

Euphorbia celastroides grows as a medium-sized shrub or small tree reaching 2 metres (6.6 ft) in height.

Its cyathia may be located in short or open-branched cymes, or remain ungrouped in leaf axils.

[5][6] E. celastroides is tolerant of drought and grows in dry areas, inland as well coastal.

Two examples of such threats are four-wheeled vehicles (which crush the plant) and introduced species (which compete for resources).