Cortez’s croton (Croton cortesianus, F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp. 2: 83 (1817))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: Kunth

Bibliography: F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp. 2: 83 (1817)

Year: 1817

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Croton

Vegetable: False

Observations: Texas to C. America

Description

Cortez’s croton, scientifically known as Croton cortesianus, is a fascinating plant species esteemed for its unique characteristics and historical significance. It belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, a diverse group of flowering plants known for their intriguing variety and adaptability to different environments.

Described in the early 19th century by the esteemed botanist Kunth, Cortez’s croton was first cataloged in the seminal work “Nova Genera et Species Plantarum” (Nov. Gen. Sp. 2: 83) in 1817 by F.W.H. von Humboldt, A.J.A. Bonpland, and C.S. Kunth. This documentation not only highlighted the plant’s botanical features but also marked its importance in the broader context of plant taxonomy during that era.

Geographically, Cortez’s croton is native to a vast range extending from Texas in the United States down to Central America. This distribution marks it as a plant well-suited to a variety of climate conditions found throughout these regions. It thrives particularly well in environments typical of the American Southwest and Central American landscapes.

Cortez’s croton is distinguished by its robust foliage and adaptive nature. It is often appreciated not only for its resilience but also for its contribution to the biodiversity of the areas it inhabits. This makes it a significant species for botanists and plant enthusiasts who are curious about the plant life typical of these regions.

Due to its widespread occurrence and striking appearance, Cortez’s croton continues to be an interesting subject of study in botany. Its historical documentation provides a rich tapestry of botanical exploration and discovery that enriches our understanding of plant species in the Americas.

Common Names

Eng: cortez’s croton
En: Cortez’s croton

Synonyms

• Croton segoviarus (Standl. & L.O.Williams)
• Oxydectes cortesiana ((Kunth) Kuntze)
• Croton chichenensis (Lundell)
• Croton trichocarpus (Torr.)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Texas (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Sep 12, 2014 by EOL − Carlos Velazco (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3059195)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:342351-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Croton cortesianus Kunth)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth