Euphorbia sachetiana
Local name: eaeamata, pökea èpau
Euphorbia sachetiana, known locally as pökea èpau, is a distinctive succulent shrub endemic to French Polynesia with thick, fleshy stems and small inconspicuous flowers typical of the spurge family. This drought-adapted plant plays an important role in its native ecosystem by providing structure and resources in arid coastal environments where few other plants can survive.
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Kenneth R. Wood (NTBG), some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Kenneth R. Wood (NTBG)
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Malpighiales
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Genus
Euphorbia
Euphorbia sachetiana belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae, order Malpighiales, within the Magnoliopsida class.
Species Profile
Euphorbia sachetiana, known locally as pökea èpau, is a distinctive succulent shrub endemic to French Polynesia with thick, fleshy stems and small inconspicuous flowers typical of the spurge family. This drought-adapted plant plays an important role in its native ecosystem by providing structure and resources in arid coastal environments where few other plants can survive.
Euphorbia sachetiana faces significant conservation challenges due to its extremely limited distribution on a few Pacific islands, making it highly vulnerable to habitat loss and environmental changes. The species is threatened by invasive plant species that compete for resources and alter native ecosystem dynamics, while coastal development and human activities continue to degrade its specialized habitat.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This endemic spurge occurs in coastal dry forests, rocky coastal areas, and low-elevation shrublands on specific Pacific islands. It typically grows in well-drained soils on limestone substrates and coral-derived soils in areas exposed to salt spray and strong winds.
Threats
Extremely limited range and small population size
Habitat degradation from coastal development
Invasive species competition
Climate change and sea level rise impacts
Human disturbance and trampling
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Euphorbia sachetiana (Euphorbia sachetiana). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/eaeamata-pokea-epau