Croton draco
Croton draco, commonly known as the Dragon's Blood tree, is a remarkable medicinal plant prized for its deep red resin. Traditionally used in folk medicine to treat wounds, inflammation, and digestive issues, this species offers potent bioactive compounds. Its unique healing properties continue to fascinate modern botanical research.
- Scientific name: Croton draco
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Native range: Northern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized into the subclass Magnoliidae and 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 various common names depending on the linguistic context and regional classification, including Croton callistanthus in French, Croton panamensis in French, Croton steyermarkianus in French, Croton triumfettoides in French, and Cyclostigma denticulatum in French.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| fr | Croton callistanthus | Wikidata |
| fr | Croton panamensis | Wikidata |
| fr | Croton steyermarkianus | Wikidata |
| fr | Croton triumfettoides | Wikidata |
| fr | Cyclostigma denticulatum | Wikidata |
| fr | Cyclostigma draco | Wikidata |
| fr | Cyclostigma panamense | Wikidata |
| fr | Oxydectes draco | Wikidata |
| fr | Oxydectes panamensis | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several distinct regions of Mexico. It can be found growing throughout the central parts of Mexico Central. Furthermore, its distribution extends into the varied landscapes of Mexico Northeast and Mexico Gulf. The species is also documented in the western reaches of Mexico Northwest. Finally, its geographical range includes the diverse environments of Mexico Southwest.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Mexico Central | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northeast | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Gulf | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northwest | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southwest | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southeast | WCVP |
| Central America | Costa Rica | WCVP |
| Central America | Guatemala | WCVP |
| Central America | Honduras | WCVP |
| Central America | Nicaragua | WCVP |
Chemicals
Croton draco has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamyl alcohol, Taspine, clerodanes, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, p-methoxybenzoic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamyl alcohol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Taspine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| clerodanes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| p-hydroxybenzaldehyde | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| p-methoxybenzoic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phorbol ester | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| scopoletin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |