Croton alnifolius

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Oxydectes alnifolia
• Croton alnifolius var. quitensis
• Croton quitensis

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Croton alnifolius, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae and falls under the genus Croton.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is native to the specific regions of Western South America. Its natural habitat includes the diverse landscapes found throughout Ecuador. Additionally, the species can be located within the borders of Peru. These two countries represent its primary geographical distribution. Therefore, its occurrence is concentrated along the western coast of the South American continent.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Croton alnifolius is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a growth form where the majority of its photosynthetic organs are borne on elevated woody stems above the soil surface. Within the spectrum of its vegetative architecture, it also exhibits traits associated with the nanophanerophyte life form, indicating a shrubby or small woody habit where the permanent shoots remain relatively low to the ground compared to larger forest trees, yet sufficiently elevated to avoid the ground-level stressors faced by hemicryptophytes or chamaephytes. This perennial life strategy allows the plant to establish a stable woody structure that can withstand seasonal environmental fluctuations, maintaining its reproductive capacity through its elevated stem system.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Croton alnifolius is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically manifesting as a shrub. It is a terrestrial species, functioning as an independent organism rather than acting as a parasite or an epiphyte. As a self-supporting plant, it does not exhibit climbing habits such as being a liana or a vine, nor does it require external structures for support. Its physical structure is defined by its woodiness, distinguishing it from herbaceous or non-woody forms, and it thrives in terrestrial environments rather than aquatic or semiaquatic habitats.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Croton alnifolius has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate.

12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate

1. Journal of natural products

Activities

Croton alnifolius has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiproliferative.

Antiproliferative

1. Journal of natural products