Tropic croton (Croton glandulosus, Syst. Nat. ed. 10. 2: 1275 (1759))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10. 2: 1275 (1759)

Year: 1759

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Croton

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: C. & E. U.S.A. to Trop. America

Description

Tropic croton, known scientifically as Croton glandulosus, belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. First documented in Carl Linnaeus’s 1759 publication “Syst. Nat. ed. 10. 2: 1275,” this plant has a remarkable distribution that stretches from the central and eastern regions of the United States all the way to tropical America.

This species exhibits a versatility and hardiness that enable it to thrive across a wide range of climates and geographical areas. The plant is notable for its clustered, gland-bearing structures which give it a distinctive appearance, contributing to both its common and scientific names.

In botanical and ecological studies, Croton glandulosus often garners attention due to its adaptability and the influence it has on local ecosystems. As a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, the Tropic croton shares several characteristics with its relatives, including a particular type of toxin-producing capability which can be both a defense mechanism and a point of consideration when interacting with wildlife and human activities.

The plant’s presence across such a broad area underscores its role in various habitats, from temperate to tropical, and highlights the evolutionary success of this species. Whether for academic interest, ecological study, or horticultural practices, the Tropic croton stands out as a significant and intriguing subject, embodying the rich diversity of the plant kingdom.

Common Names

Eng: tropic croton, sand croton, tooth-leaf croton, tooth-leaved croton, vente conmigo
Por: carvão-branco, erva-peluda
Spa: vente conmigo
En: Tropic croton, Tooth-leaf croton, Vente conmigo, Sand croton, Tooth-leaved croton, Northern Croton
Pt: Carvão-branco, Erva-peluda
Es: Vente conmigo

Synonyms

• Decarinium glandulosum ((L.) Raf.)
• Croton glandulosus var. genuinus (Müll.Arg.)
• Oxydectes glandulosa var. genuina (Kuntze)
• Oxydectes glandulosa ((L.) Kuntze)
• Geiseleria glandulosa ((L.) Klotzsch)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Netherlands Antilles (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Sumatera (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 26, 2020 by Daniel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2015 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 16, 2017 by Tela Botanica − _ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2021 by Aecio Salvador (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2021 by kevin (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jan 18, 2021 by Ferrer Régis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 26, 2019 by Mota davi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 2020 by Luiza pazete Luiza pazete (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2020 by Shelley Tripp (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2017 by Tara Conler (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 10, 2020 by Annie Elle (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 22, 2014 by EOL − brentano (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 15, 2014 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 17, 2015 by EOL − Jim Varnum (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 22, 2014 by EOL − brentano (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 17, 2015 by EOL − Jim Varnum (cc-by-nc)

© 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/3058185)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:70233-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Croton glandulosus L.)

Specifications

Growth