Dyer’s litmus (Chrozophora tinctoria, Euphorb. Gen.: 110 (1824))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: (L.) A.Juss.

Bibliography: Euphorb. Gen.: 110 (1824)

Year: 1824

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Chrozophora

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Medit. to C. Asia and NW. India

Description

Dyer’s litmus, scientifically known as Chrozophora tinctoria, is a fascinating plant that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. Initially described in the early 19th century, this plant has captured the interest of botanists and naturalists alike, owing to its unique properties and geographical spread.

Originating from the Mediterranean region, Chrozophora tinctoria’s range extends through Central Asia and reaches as far as Northwestern India. This widespread native area showcases the plant’s adaptability to various climates and soil types, reflecting its hardy nature.

The plant’s common name, “Dyer’s litmus”, hints at its historical significance in the world of natural dyes. This underscores its importance not just in the botanical realm but also in traditional practices, likely used for coloration purposes long before synthetic dyes became widespread.

Chrozophora tinctoria is characterized by its striking appearance and the intriguing biology typical of the Euphorbiaceae family. It displays features that make it easily identifiable, including its unique leaf structure and the notable presence of latex—a common trait among many Euphorbiaceae species.

Overall, Dyer’s litmus represents a significant example of how plants traverse cultural, geographical, and scientific boundaries, contributing to various fields from natural dyeing practices to botanical studies.

Common Names

Eng: dyer’s litmus, turn-sole, southern chrozophora
Ara: غبيرة
En: Dyer’s Litmus, Turn-sole, Southern Chrozophora, Dyer’s Croton
Ar: غبيرة
Ca: Tornassol
Fr: Tournesol des teinturiers
It: Tornasole comune
Es: Tornasol
: Silver july croton

Synonyms

• Croton tinctorius (L.)
• Chrozophora obliqua ((Vahl) A.Juss. ex Spreng.)
• Tournesol tinctoria ((L.) Baill.)
• Tournesol obliqua ((Vahl) Franch.)
• Chrozophora tinctoria var. subplicata (Müll.Arg.)
• Chrozophora warionii (Coss. ex Batt.)
• Chrozophora tinctoria var. verbascifolia ((Willd.) Müll.Arg.)
• Chrozophora tinctoria subsp. obliqua ((Vahl) O.Bolòs & Vigo)
• Croton argenteus (Forssk.)
• Chrozophora tinctoria var. genuina (Müll.Arg.)
• Chrozophora integrifolia (Bunge)
• Croton obliquus (Vahl)
• Ricinoides tinctoria ((L.) Moench)
• Chrozophora verbascifolia ((Willd.) A.Juss. ex Spreng.)
• Chrozophora villosa (Lindl.)
• Tournesol verbascifolia ((Willd.) Kuntze)
• Chrozophora sieberi (C.Presl)
• Chrozophora tinctoria f. brachypetala (Müll.Arg.)
• Chrozophora subplicata ((Müll.Arg.) Pax & K.Hoffm.)
• Chrozophora cordifolia (Pazij)
• Chrozophora glabrata ((Heldr.) Pax & K.Hoffm.)
• Tournesol warionii ((Coss. ex Batt. & Trab.) Baill.)
• Chrozophora tinctoria var. glabrata (Heldr.)
• Chrozophora hierosolymitana (Spreng.)
• Chrozophora obliqua var. hierosolymitana ((Spreng.) Duthie)
• Chrozophora tinctoria var. hierosolymitana ((Spreng.) Müll.Arg.)
• Croton verbascifolius (Willd.)
• Chrozophora lepidocarpa (Pazij)
• Croton patulus (Lag.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Gulf States (native)
• India (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Socotra (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2018 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 11, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2022 by mrspinch (cc-by-sa)

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

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

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

Other

Taken Jul 31, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Aug 11, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 17, 2022 by pekcan fatih (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2018 by Etienne Aspord (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2019 by Nico Heer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2021 by Mamen Sasevi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2022 by Enrico L. (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 31, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2022 by Enrico L. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 7, 2022 by Abdulghaffar Alirezaie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2017 by Pedro Salgadinho (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2022 by Enrico L. (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3054465)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:340969-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Chrozophora tinctoria (L.) A.Juss.)

Specifications

Growth