Croton alienus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Mildbraedia balboana

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized into the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Croton.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a very specific and limited geographical distribution within the African continent. Its presence is documented within the region of East Tropical Africa. Specifically, the species is known to occur in the country of Kenya. Due to this narrow range, it is considered a localized botanical specimen. Further studies may be required to determine if it exists in neighboring territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Croton alienus is characterized by its classification as a perennial organism, ensuring its presence in its natural habitat across multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural development and survival strategy, the species exhibits a dual morphological classification; it functions as a phanerophyte, maintaining its stems above the ground level, while also manifesting traits consistent with a nanophanerophyte, which indicates a relatively low-growing woody structure. This combination of life forms allows the plant to persist through varying environmental conditions over its extended lifecycle.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Croton alienus is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically manifesting as a shrub. This plant is a terrestrial species that functions as an independent organism, meaning it does not act as a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of stature, it is a self-supporting plant with a height that typically ranges from a minimum of 1.2 m to an average of 4.5 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

4.5 m

Plant height min:

1.2 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Croton alienus has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 24-ethylcholesta-4,22-dien-3-one, BENZYL BENZOATE, Crotepoxide, julocrotine.

24-ethylcholesta-4,22-dien-3-one

1. Planta medica

BENZYL BENZOATE

1. Planta medica

Crotepoxide

1. Planta medica

julocrotine

1. Planta medica