Gulf croton (Croton punctatus, Collectanea 1: 166 (1787))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: Jacq.

Bibliography: Collectanea 1: 166 (1787)

Year: 1787

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Croton

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: SE. U.S.A. to Colombia, Caribbean to N. Venezuela

Description

Gulf croton, known scientifically as Croton punctatus, is a noteworthy member of the Euphorbiaceae family. First described in the botanical literature “Collectanea” in 1787 by Jacquin, this plant has since been a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

The geographical range of Gulf croton is quite extensive, stretching from the southeastern United States down through Colombia, and encompassing the Caribbean region to northern Venezuela. This wide distribution indicates that Croton punctatus thrives in a variety of climates and ecosystems within these areas.

As a species belonging to the diverse Euphorbiaceae family, Gulf croton is related to a large group of plants known for their varied forms and sometimes toxic properties. Members of this family often share certain botanical characteristics, such as the presence of milky sap and unique flower structures, which are likely features of Croton punctatus as well.

The Gulf croton’s spread across different countries and climates highlights its adaptability and ecological significance. Whether found on coastal dunes or in more inland areas, this plant plays a role in the local ecosystems, potentially offering both aesthetic value and environmental benefits to the regions it inhabits.

Reference:
– Collectanea 1: 166 (1787)
– Author: Jacq.

Common Names

Eng: gulf croton, beach-tea, beach croton
En: Gulf croton, Beach croton, Beach tea, Silverleaf croton, Beach-tea
Es: Colpachí.

Synonyms

• Hendecandra maritima ((Walter) Klotzsch)
• Croton plukenetii (Geiseler)
• Rottlera punctata (A.Juss. ex Spreng.)
• Croton maritimus (Walter)
• Croton disjunctiflorus (Michx.)
• Gynamblosis maritima ((Walter) Baill.)
• Oxydectes maritima ((Walter) Kuntze)
• Drepadenium maritimum ((Walter) Raf.)
• Oxydectes punctata ((Jacq.) Kuntze)
• Lasiocroton prunifolius (Griseb.)
• Croton furfuraceus (Pers.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bermuda (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Panamá (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Texas (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)

Additional Images

© 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.

Leaf

Taken Aug 13, 2021 by Andrea Bonnett (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2012 by EOL − Jason Sharp (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2020 by Scott Smith (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2022 by josue TASMARE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2021 by Klara Law Maresova (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 13, 2021 by Andrea Bonnett (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2020 by lisa williams (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 19, 2020 by Scott Smith (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Justice, W. S. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2012 by EOL − Jason Sharp (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2013 by EOL − Mikael Behrens (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 17, 2014 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3057499)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:343314-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Croton punctatus Jacq.)

Specifications

Growth