Croton

Description:

Shrub Shiny, colorful leaves spotted with white, yellow or red Tiny white flowers The leaves of this plant have a variety of colors, such as orange, red, purple and yellow with spotted and streaked patterns

Habitat:

Photo taken in Honolulu, Hawaii

Notes:

Geographic area of origin: Pacific islands, Malaysia, Northern Australia Common uses: the croton oil can be used to help constipation since it causes extreme diarrhea (used in Chinese traditional medicine) Cascarilla (C. eluteria) bark is used to flavour the liqueurs Campari and Vermouth Distinguishing features: Shrub Shiny, colorful leaves spotted with white, yellow or red Tiny white flowers The leaves of this plant have a variety of colors, such as orange, red, purple and yellow with spotted and streaked patterns Date and method of arrival in Hawaii: There are no data on arrival of crotons Method of arrival is probably when the English missionaries brought plants and animals to be introduced to the Hawaiian Islands Indigenous: no Endemic: no Invasive: yes Other interesting facts: All parts of the plant that contain sap, though the sap itself is most toxic It can grow up to 12 feet tall