Croton blanchetianus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Oxydectes blanchetiana
• Croton micranthus
• Oxydectes alagoensis
• Croton alagoensis
• Croton floribundus var. piauhyensis
• Croton persicaria

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

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 further categorized under the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae. Ultimately, its scientific classification is defined by the genus Croton.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution within the borders of Brazil. It can be found growing in the diverse landscapes of the Brazil Northeast region. Additionally, the species is also present throughout the Brazil Southeast area. These two distinct regions represent the primary locations where the plant is naturally situated. Consequently, its habitat is concentrated within these specific parts of the country.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Croton blanchetianus is fundamentally defined by its occurrence within the Caatinga (stricto sensu), a semi-arid biome characterized by seasonal drought and highly specialized environmental pressures. Within this xeric landscape, the species has adapted to thrive in environments marked by irregular rainfall patterns and high solar radiation. Its presence in this specific habitat suggests a physiological dependency on the unique soil compositions and the deciduous vegetation patterns typical of the Caatinga, where survival often necessitates strategies for water conservation and rapid response to brief periods of moisture availability. This ecological niche dictates its distribution, limiting its growth to the specific climatic and edaphic conditions found in the heart of this dry tropical forest ecosystem.

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu)

Life history

The life history of Croton blanchetianus is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, specifically manifesting as both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte depending on the specific growth stage and environmental conditions of its habitat. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its perennating buds well above the ground surface, typically on woody stems or branches, which allows it to survive seasonal fluctuations and environmental stressors. Its development follows a perennial cycle where the structural integrity of its elevated buds ensures continuity through unfavorable periods. The presence of nanophanerophytic characteristics suggests a variation in stature, where the plant may exhibit shorter, more compact woody growth in certain microclimates, yet it consistently adheres to the strategy of protecting its regenerative tissues above the soil level.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Croton blanchetiaanus is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, exhibiting a robust and self-supporting structural habit. This terrestrial species typically reaches an average height of 0.5 m, though it possesses the capacity to attain a maximum height of up to 8 m. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence within its habitat. Its architecture is defined by its woody nature, providing the necessary stability for its self-supporting stature.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

8 m

Plant height mean:

0.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Croton blanchetianus has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Germacrene D, TERPINOLENE.

Germacrene D

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

TERPINOLENE

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Croton blanchetianus has 5 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include gastrointestinal disorders, headache, pain, rheumatism, ticks.

Gastrointestinal disorders

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Headache

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Pain

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Rheumatism

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Ticks

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology