Lobed croton (Astraea lobata, Arch. Naturgesch. 7(1):194. 1841)

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: Klotzsch

Bibliography: Arch. Naturgesch. 7(1):194. 1841

Year: 1841

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Astraea

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

The Lobed Croton, scientifically known as Astraea lobata, is a distinctive species of plant native to the regions spanning from Mexico to Tropical America. First described in 1841 by the esteemed botanist Johann Friedrich Klotzsch, this plant has been the subject of various botanical discussions and studies over the years.

Astraea lobata belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, a large and diverse group of flowering plants commonly referred to as the spurge family. This family is characterized by its often intricate and unique floral structures, and many of its members have been adapted to thrive in a variety of environments, ranging from tropical rainforests to arid deserts.

The Lobed Croton is particularly notable for its distinct leaves, which as suggested by its common name, are deeply lobed. These leaves not only contribute to its aesthetic appeal but also play a crucial role in the plant’s overall health and function. The lobed structure is an adaptation that may help in maximizing light capture and promoting efficient gas exchange, crucial for photosynthesis.

This plant’s habitat stretches from the diverse ecosystems of Mexico down through the varied landscapes of Tropical America. Here, it thrives in environments that offer the warm temperatures and ample moisture characteristic of its native regions. The conditions of these tropical locales foster the Lobed Croton’s growth, allowing it to flourish and maintain its ecological niche.

Moreover, the Lobed Croton is an integral part of the ecosystem, providing both habitat and food for various insects and animals. Its resilience and adaptability make it a fascinating subject for ecological and botanical studies, offering insights into plant evolution, adaptation, and biodiversity.

Given its wide distribution and unique characteristics, the Lobed Croton is a prime example of the rich botanical heritage found within the Euphorbiaceae family. Its historical description by Klotzsch in archival records highlights its longstanding significance in the study of plant sciences.

Common Names

Por: café-bravo, mamoninha
Eng: lobed croton, lilac bush
En: Lobed croton, Lilac Bush
Fr: Croton
Pt: Café-bravo, Mamoninha

Synonyms

• Croton lobatus f. crispus (Müll.Arg.)
• Astraea seemannii (Klotzsch)
• Astraea palmata (Klotzsch)
• Croton lobatus var. genuinus (Müll.Arg.)
• Oxydectes lobata ((L.) Kuntze)
• Croton lobatus var. sericeus (Müll.Arg.)
• Croton lobatus var. palmatus (Müll.Arg.)
• Croton leiocarpus (Bartl.)
• Croton lobatus var. seemannii ((Klotzsch) Müll.Arg.)
• Croton lobatus (L.)
• Croton mocinoi (Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts)
• Croton decorsei (Beille)
• Croton courtetii (Beille)
• Croton lobatus var. intermedius (Müll.Arg.)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Aruba (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Netherlands Antilles (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 5, 2022 by Tharunoju Laxman kumar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2020 by Planta Libre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2020 by Alfredo Dorantes Euan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2022 by Global VidaVerde (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2021 by Lacerda Clarice (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 1, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 1, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 1, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 1, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 5, 2022 by Tharunoju Laxman kumar (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Oct 1, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 5, 2022 by Tharunoju Laxman kumar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 2021 by Marian Mangiarotti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by am (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.

Bark

Taken Jul 14, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 24, 2020 by Alfredo Dorantes Euan (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 24, 2020 by Planta Libre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2020 by Alfredo Dorantes Euan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2022 by Barbosa Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2011 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2011 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 9, 2011 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2011 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2011 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5380859)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:339515-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Astraea lobata (L.) Klotzsch)

Specifications

Growth