Croton alnifolius
Croton alnifolius, commonly known as the Alder-leaved Croton, is a versatile medicinal shrub native to tropical regions. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, it is traditionally used to treat skin ailments, inflammation, and digestive issues. This resilient plant serves as a vital resource in various ethnobotanical healing practices.
- Scientific name: Croton alnifolius
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Native range: Southern America
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.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Croton | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant is known by several distinct names depending on the specific variety or botanical classification used. In French nomenclature, it is referred to as Croton alnifolius var. genuinus, Croton alnifolius var. quitensis, or simply Croton quitensis. Additionally, it is identified by the name Oxydectes alnifolia.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| fr | Croton alnifolius var. genuinus | Wikidata |
| fr | Croton alnifolius var. quitensis | Wikidata |
| fr | Croton quitensis | Wikidata |
| fr | Oxydectes alnifolia | Wikidata |
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.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western South America | Ecuador | WCVP |
| Western South America | Peru | WCVP |
Chemicals
Croton alnifolius has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Croton alnifolius has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiproliferative.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antiproliferative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |