'Akoko is a low growing shrub with smooth oval-shaped leaves that are attached opposite one another along the stem. The leaves are dark seagreen with a hint of red. Clusters of tiny light yellow green flowers open to display several tiny white stamens that have dark red tips. It has been observed flowering and fruiting year round and is typically found on the coastal strand and rocky shores of Oahu.

Ancient Hawaiians used the leaves and sap for various medicinal purposes. The wood was used for fire and the milky sap for the painting of canoes.