Family: Euphorbiaceae
Author: (L.) Rumph. ex A.Juss.
Bibliography: Euphorb. Gen.: 80, 111 (1824)
Year: 1824
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Codiaeum
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Malesia to SW. Pacific
Description
The Variegated Croton, scientifically identified as Codiaeum variegatum, is a vibrant and striking plant belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. First documented in the publication “Euphorb. Gen.” in 1824 and described by the author (L.) Rumph. ex A.Juss., this plant is noted for its dazzling display of colorful foliage that can elevate the aesthetic of any home or garden.
Originating from the Malesia region extending to the Southwest Pacific, Codiaeum variegatum thrives in tropical climates, where its variegated leaves—splashed with shades of green, red, yellow, orange, and even black—act as a natural spectacle, captivating plant enthusiasts and casual observers alike. Each leaf is unique, with variations in color and pattern, making the Variegated Croton a favorite for those looking to add a touch of exotic flair to their plant collection.
This perennial shrub can reach varying heights, typically between 3 to 6 feet, making it a versatile choice for both indoor and outdoor settings. When cultivating this plant, it’s crucial to provide high humidity and ample indirect sunlight to maintain its vivid coloration. The Variegated Croton also prefers well-draining soil and regular watering, though care should be taken to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
In addition to its ornamental appeal, the Variegated Croton is also known for its air-purifying qualities, contributing to a healthier living environment. Its resilience and adaptability make it a suitable choice for novice and experienced gardeners alike, though it does require some attention to ensure it remains healthy and vibrant.
Despite its beauty, it’s important to handle the Variegated Croton with care, as the plant belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, which is known for having toxic sap. This sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals and should not be ingested by pets or humans.
In summary, the Variegated Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is a stunning and captivating plant that offers not only aesthetic beauty but also practical benefits. Its origins from the Malesia to the Southwest Pacific have endowed it with striking, colorful foliage that can brighten up any space, making it a cherished addition to diverse plant collections.
Common Names
Por: cróton
Eng: garden croton
Swe: kroton
En: Variegated Croton, Wunderstrauch, Croton, Garden croton
Fr: Arbre à pain Basse-Terre, Croton
De: Kroton, Krebsblume, Wunderstrauch
Pt: Cróton
Es: Crotón de jardín
Sv: Kroton
: Variegated croton
Synonyms
- Phyllaurea variegata ((L.) W.Wight)
- Codiaeum variegatum var. genuinum (Müll.Arg.)
- Oxydectes variegata ((L.) Kuntze)
- Crozophyla variegata ((L.) Raf.)
- Codiaeum chrysosticton (Rumph. ex Spreng.)
- Croton variegatus (L.)
Distribution
- Bismarck Archipelago (native)
- Borneo (native)
- Fiji (native)
- Jawa (native)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
- Maluku (native)
- New Guinea (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Queensland (native)
- Santa Cruz Is. (native)
- Solomon Is. (native)
- Sulawesi (native)
- Vanuatu (native)
- Bangladesh (introduced)
- Caroline Is. (introduced)
- Cayman Is. (introduced)
- China South-Central (introduced)
- China Southeast (introduced)
- Comoros (introduced)
- Cook Is. (introduced)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- Gambia (introduced)
- Gilbert Is. (introduced)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
- Hainan (introduced)
- Haiti (introduced)
- Leeward Is. (introduced)
- Line Is. (introduced)
- Marianas (introduced)
- Marshall Is. (introduced)
- Mozambique (introduced)
- New Caledonia (introduced)
- Niue (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Samoa (introduced)
- Society Is. (introduced)
- Thailand (introduced)
- Tonga (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
- Tuamotu (introduced)
- Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
- Wake I. (introduced)
- Wallis-Futuna Is. (introduced)
- Windward Is. (introduced)
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 Nov 8, 2017 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 16, 2020 by Wiegratz Fabian (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 8, 2017 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 8, 2017 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 29, 2017 by Elizabeth Laduron (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Oct 9, 2021 by Сашенька Крикун (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 15, 2021 by Ha Anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 7, 2013 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 7, 2013 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 11, 2020 by fatemeh mohamadinia (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Feb 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 29, 2019 by Jimeno Minaya Diego (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 6, 2019 by vetorboom Victorvetor (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 8, 2020 by CHRISTOPHE ESCAPA (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 28, 2019 by Maris Stela (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 12, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 5, 2020 by Lisa Ani (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 10, 2019 by alif lutfi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 26, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 23, 2022 by Keerthan Machaiah (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Mar 7, 2013 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 5, 2013 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 5, 2019 by Sanjeev Sanjeev Rana (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 5, 2021 by Jorsh Langi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 31, 2021 by Avila Cardin (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Dec 8, 2002 by Pérez Isabel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2021 by rossso.savage (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2020 by Medeiros Janaina (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 1, 2021 by Rina Jeger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 23, 2020 by Sukanta Dalai (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3071476)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:85073-3)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Codiaeum variegatum (L.) Rumph. ex A.Juss.)