Croton ferrugineus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated primarily within the western regions of South America. In this part of the continent, its presence has been documented throughout Colombia. It is also found across the diverse landscapes of Ecuador. Furthermore, the species extends its range into Peru, marking a significant portion of its western territory. Finally, the plant can be located in the northern reaches of Brazil.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Croton ferrugineus is defined by its specific distribution within montane and sub-montane environments, where it occupies a broad altitudinal gradient. This species is typically found at elevations ranging from a minimum of 500 m AMSL to a maximum of 2000 m AMSL. Throughout its natural habitat, it maintains a mean elevation of approximately 1500 m AMSL, indicating a preference for mid-to-high altitude ecosystems where specific temperature and moisture regimes are maintained. This elevational positioning suggests that the plant is well-adapted to the varying atmospheric pressures and ecological niches characteristic of these varying heights.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

500 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Croton ferrugineus is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, indicating that its perennating buds are located high above the ground on woody stems, which allows it to establish a stable, long-lived presence in its ecological niche. Within this growth strategy, it also exhibits characteristics consistent with a nanophanerophyte, suggesting a growth habit where the reproductive and vegetative structures are maintained at a relatively low but elevated height compared to ground-level life forms. This structural arrangement supports its perennial development, enabling the plant to endure seasonal fluctuations by maintaining its vital organs on elevated woody axes, facilitating effective resource acquisition and reproductive success throughout its lifespan.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Croton ferrugineus is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically functioning as a shrub. It is a terrestrial plant, existing as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies, meaning it is categorized as an independent species rather than an obligatory or facultative parasite. In terms of its structural habit, it is a self-supporting plant, lacking the characteristics of a climber, liana, or vine. Furthermore, it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence rather than growing as a holoepiphyte, hemiepiphyte, or any other epiphytic variation.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Croton ferrugineus has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Croton ferrugineus has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Essential oils.

Essential oils

1. Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)