Croton Mummy (Codiaeum variegatum): Introduction, Classification, Distribution, Characteristics, Toxicity, and, Uses
Introduction
A decorative shrub that comes from tropical forests is called “croton” or Codiaeum variegatum (Govaerts et al., 2000).
The Garden Crotons, Codiaeum variegatum (L.) Blume, are a collection of gorgeous variegated foliage perennial, tropical ornamental shrubs or trees with glabrous branches and noticeable leaf scars (Dutta, 2004). The family Euphorbiaceae contains over 7000 species, with the second-largest genus, Codiaeum, having about 700 species. Only six basic species of Codiaeum are recognised (Taylor, 1938), and all other cultivars are mutations or hybrids of these basic species. Their glossy, leathery leaves have different shapes, colours, and patterns on them. The alternating, non-serrated, occasionally lobed leaves. The shape ranges from fiddle-shaped to broad and obovate, as well as linear-lanceolate, oblong, elliptic, lanceolate, and lanceolate. Sometimes the midrib of the leaf blade is broken, causing the blade to split into an upper and lower portion. The leaf is likely green in its natural state, but when grown under the proper lighting conditions, it can have a variety of markings, streaks, blotches, or bands made of green, white, the reds (orange, purple, pink, indigo, violet), yellow, crimson, scarlet, brown, or cream colour (Anon, 2003). As the plant ages, its colour may vary.
Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Codiaeum
Species: C. variegatum
Scientific Name: Codiaeum variegatum
Common Name(s): Croton Mummy, Fire Croton, Garden Croton, or Variegated Croton
Distribution
The Malaccan Islands, which are located between the Philippines and New Guinea, are home to garden crotons. India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and some other Pacific Islands are among its natural habitats. Additionally, they are well-liked in the tropics around the world, including East Asia, Java, Australia, and now. (Stamps and Osborne, 2003; Taylor, 1938)
Characteristics
1. The Garden croton, also known as “san francisco,” is a tropical foliage ornamental that belongs to the Euphobiaceaea family and is of the genus Codiaeum.
2. With glabrous branches and noticeable leaf scars, Crotons are a stunningly variegated leafy perennial ornamental plant that can be categorised as either a shrub or a tree (Brown 2008).
3. They can reach heights of between 1 and 3 metres. The crotons are an evergreen shrub with big, leathery, glossy leaves that can be spotted in the wild. The cultivated crotons, in comparison, are often smaller and have an incredible variety of leaf patterns and colours in home gardens.
4. The leaves are ovate and come in a variety of hues, including red, green, and orange. Typically, the leaves on the same stem have many hues. the oppositely positioned leaves on the stem.
5. They became a well-liked plant for landscaping urban subdivisions, parks, playgrounds, schools, golf courses, and memorial parks because they are hardy, adaptable to a wide range of environmental circumstances, and simple to cultivate and maintain.
6. They are frequently utilised as hedge plants in many tropical gardens as well as for interior decorating in homes and buildings. They are additionally available in garden stores as gifts for all occasions and as souvenirs for special events in the form of potted ornamental plants (Gilman, 1999).
7. Garden croton plants have racemose, monoecious, and typically unisexual flowers. The female and male flowers are produced on various stalks and reach maturity at various periods. The majority of garden croton cultivars generate both male and female inflorescence from the same stem, however frequently the female inflorescence develops earlier and produces fruits before the men do (Esan et al., 2005). Ethylene and cold make Croton vulnerable.
Phytochemical Constituents
The chemical components of Codiaeum variegatum that were analyzed included alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, terpenes, steroids, phenol, saponins, tannins, phlobatannin, and cardenolide.
Toxicity
The sap from crotons, which are linked to euphorbias, can give sensitive persons skin rashes. If consumed, it can also upset the stomach and result in more severe symptoms if consumed in big quantities. Like with the majority of mild- to moderately hazardous houseplants, the plant’s pungent flavour typically deters animals and young children from consuming it. Always exercise caution while keeping indoor plants close to animals or youngsters.
Bark, roots, and leaves all produce deadly latex. 5-Deoxyingenol is the toxin present. The latex, when exposed repeatedly, produces eczema in gardeners while the bark and roots can result in mouth burns. Humans and domestic animals both employ exudates as purgatives, irritating the skin in the process (Bronson, 2005).
Uses
1. It is employed for therapeutic purposes in addition to its decorative appeal.
2. Gastric ulcers are treated by taking a root decoction. Its leaves are both antibacterial and antiamoebic (Moundipa et al., 2005). Filipinos drink tea made from the freeze-dried leaves of C. variegatum (Gertrudes, 2006).
3. Drinking crushed leaves can help with diarrhoea. To treat gonorrhoea, coconut milk, sap from the root of Areca catechu, young leaves of Codiaeum, Pandanus macroieacceretia (the white part), and other ingredients are consumed.
4. Additionally, coconut milk and leaf sap are combined and applied to the syphilis-affected area (Robert et al., 1988).
5. It is well recognised that phytochemicals have curative and disease-preventive capabilities. Additionally, they offer drugs for cell maintenance and repair and to stop the growth of substances that cause cancer. They function as antioxidants to protect cells’ DNA and other components from harm caused by metabolite free radicals (Balch and Balch, 2000).
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How do you take care of a Codiaeum variegatum?
Ans: Codiaeum variegatum has broad, thick, leathery leaves that are an array of brilliant colours. This plant, a member of the Euphorbia family, enjoys intense sunlight and can reach heights of over 6 feet in its natural environment. The Croton will typically grow to a maximum height of 3 to 4 feet when grown as a houseplant, though. Since it can be found growing outdoors along many garden pathways, Croton is particularly adored by the people of Jamaica.
Bright, indirect sunlight is necessary for maintaining vibrant colours. A few hours of direct sunlight are acceptable, but too much will sunburn the leaves.
Difficulty
Easy! Just make sure it receives enough sunlight and warm temperatures.
Fertilizer
Fertilise once in the spring and once in the early summer. If at all possible, use fertilisers with more potassium (N-P-K). During the growing season, fertilise indoor plants with liquid or slow-release pellets around 1-2 times per month. Winter is not the time to fertilise.
Pruning and Propagation
Just above a node or leaf set, prune the branches and leaves; do not, however, remove more than one-third of the stem at a time. Take a 4-inch stem cutting with at least three leaves, and before planting it in the ground, immerse it in the rooting hormone.
Water
Allow soil to largely dry out. Wintertime sees less water. When the soil is slightly dry, thoroughly water it, eliminating any excess water that collects in the saucer or cachepot.
Temperature
Requires warm conditions that are over 60°F. Avoid using air conditioners and windows that let in draughts. avoids cold draughts from doors, windows, or air conditioning, prefers warm house temps. If at all possible, provide high humidity through regular misting and/or pebble trays.
Soil
Use an all-purpose, well-draining potting soil.
Repotting
When your Croton outgrows its container, report it into a pot that is a few inches wider.
Pests
Mealybugs and spider mites can infest Crotons. At the first sign of pests, treat. Overwatering is a problem that affects many indoor plants.
Question: Is Codiaeum variegatum an indoor plant?
Ans: Yes, The Croton Petra will typically grow to a maximum height of 3 to 4 feet when grown as a houseplant,
Question: How poisonous is croton?
Ans: The sap from crotons, which are linked to euphorbias, can give sensitive persons skin rashes. Bark, roots, and leaves all produce deadly latex. 5-Deoxyingenol is the toxin present.
Question: Are Crotons poisonous to touch?
Ans: Yes
Question: Are croton plants cancerous?
Ans: Yes
Question: What are croton leaves good for?
Ans: Its leaves are both antibacterial and antiamoebic (Moundipa et al., 2005). Filipinos drink tea made from the freeze-dried leaves of C. variegatum (Gertrudes, 2006). Drinking crushed leaves can help with diarrhoea. To treat gonorrhoea, coconut milk, sap from the root of Areca catechu, young leaves of Codiaeum, Pandanus macroieacceretia (the white part), and other ingredients are consumed.