Roadside croton (Croton trinitatis, Publ. Field Columb. Mus., Bot. Ser. 2: 57 (1900))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: Millsp.

Bibliography: Publ. Field Columb. Mus., Bot. Ser. 2: 57 (1900)

Year: 1900

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Croton

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Mexico to Trop. America

Description

The Roadside Croton, scientifically known as Croton trinitatis, belongs to the diverse family Euphorbiaceae. This plant was first documented in 1900 in a publication for the Field Columbian Museum’s Botanical Series by the botanist Millspaugh. This perennial species thrives in regions extending from Southern Mexico through Tropical America, showcasing its adaptability to various climates within this geographical range.

Roadside Croton is commonly found along roadsides and disturbed areas, which is indicative of its resilience and ability to grow in less-than-ideal soils. Its presence in such habitats also underscores its role in the natural flora of tropical environments, contributing to the ecological diversity of these regions.

Characterized by its distinctive foliage and growth habits, Croton trinitatis can often be identified by its unique leaf texture and arrangement, traits that make it a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. The plant’s physiological characteristics also enable it to withstand various environmental stresses, playing a crucial role in the local ecosystems by providing cover and resources for various pollinators and other wildlife.

Understanding the distribution and characteristics of Croton trinitatis helps in appreciating the complexity of plant communities in tropical regions. It also highlights the importance of roadside vegetation in supporting biodiversity and ecological stability. Given its broad range and resilient nature, the Roadside Croton stands as a fascinating example of plant adaptation and survival in the dynamic landscapes of Tropical America.

Common Names

Eng: roadside croton
Por: croto, velame
En: Roadside croton
Pt: ‘croto’, ‘velame’, Croto, Velame
Es: Targuá., Comastrona

Synonyms

• Croton buchtienii (Rusby)
• Croton tragioides (S.F.Blake)
• Geiseleria chamaedrifolia (Klotzsch)
• Geiseleria corchorifolia (Klotzsch)
• Oxydectes chamaedrifolia ((Klotzsch) Kuntze)
• Croton chamaedrifolius ((Klotzsch) Griseb.)
• Croton miquelensis (A.M.Ferguson)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Aug 23, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 23, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 23, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 31, 2012 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 31, 2012 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 31, 2012 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 30, 2019 by Freitas Ramos Thiago (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 30, 2019 by Freitas Ramos Thiago (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 1, 2009 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)

Taken Nov 10, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

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

Bark

Taken Oct 1, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 1, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3058861)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:71013-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Croton trinitatis Millsp.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth