A large family with milky poisonous sap.
Modified flowers are
consolidated to form structure called a cyathium. A central female
ovary is surrounded by several male flowers which are reduced to a
single stamen. Colored bracts resembling petals ring the
edge. Many are weeds while others are succulent and suited to life
in dry areas. Hawaii has a number of endemic species called 'Akoko,
of which many are rare or endangered.