Croton celtidifolius

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Oxydectes celtidifolia
• Croton cynanchicus
• Croton oreophilus
• Croton sanguis-draconis

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically classified within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further organized under the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Croton, which includes the species Croton celtidifolius.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad presence across several key regions within the country of Brazil. Specifically, its natural range encompasses the diverse landscapes of Brazil West-Central. It is also found growing throughout the various territories of Brazil Northeast. Furthermore, the species extends its reach into the environmental zones of Brazil Southeast. Finally, the geographical distribution of this medicinal plant includes the areas of Brazil South.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Croton celtidifolius is characterized by its presence within the Floresta Ombrófila (also known as Floresta Pluvial), where it thrives in high-moisture environments typical of rainforest ecosystems. This species exhibits a broad altitudinal distribution, occupying a vertical range that extends from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to an elevation of 1000 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Croton celdiiifolius is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons and maintain a stable presence within its ecosystem. Structurally, it exhibits a dual classification of life forms depending on its developmental stage and environmental niche; it is primarily categorized as a phanerophyte, characterized by its woody stems that hold the buds well above the ground level, yet it also manifests traits of a nanophanerophyte, where the growth form may be more compact with smaller, woody stems. This combination of life strategies enables the species to establish robust, long-term biological structures while adapting its height and growth habit to its specific ecological surroundings.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Croton celtidifolius is characterized by a woody growth form that typically manifests as a shrub or a small tree. As a terrestrial plant, it functions as an independent organism, lacking parasitic or epiphytic tendencies. The species is self-supporting in its structure, reaching a maximum plant height of approximately 6 meters. Its overall development is defined by its robust, woody nature, allowing it to maintain a stable presence within its terrestrial habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

6 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Croton celtidifolius has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CATECHIN, Gallocatechin, Proanthocyanidins.

CATECHIN

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Gallocatechin

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Proanthocyanidins

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Activities

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

Antioxidant

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Preparations

Croton celtidifolius has 5 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include aqueous fraction (AqF), bark and leaf infusions, butanolic fraction (BuF), crude extract (CE), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF).

Aqueous fraction (aqf)

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Bark and leaf infusions

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Butanolic fraction (buf)

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Crude extract (ce)

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Ethyl acetate fraction (eaf)

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology