Croton membranaceus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Oxydectes membranacea

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malpighiales, it is classified under the family Euphorbiaceae and the genus Croton. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined as Croton membranceus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Croton membranaceuus, exhibits a specific geographical distribution within the African continent. Its presence is notably documented across the region of West Tropical Africa. Specifically, the species can be found growing in the Ivory Coast. Additionally, its range extends further east into Nigeria. These locations represent the primary areas where this medicinal plant is naturally distributed.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Croton membranaceuus is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural development and ecological strategy, it exhibits a dual classification of life forms, functioning as both a phanerophyte, where its stem is elevated above the ground, and a nanophanerophyte, indicating a growth habit where the woody stems are kept relatively low to the substrate.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Croton membraneaceus is characterized by a woody growth form that exhibits both shrub and herbaceous qualities. It functions as an independent plant, meaning it is not parasitic, and maintains a terrestrial lifestyle rather than being an epiphyte. In terms of its structural stature, the plant is self-supporting and does not function as an obligatory or facultative climber. Its vertical dimensions vary, with recorded measurements showing a maximum height of approximately 0.91 meters and a mean height of 1.5 meters.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.914411119 m

Plant height mean:

1.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Croton membraneaceus is characterized by its complex metabolic pathways and specific nutrient acquisition strategies. In terms of its symbiotic relationships and nutrient cycling capabilities, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the specialized root nodules containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. Instead, its physiological processes rely on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system. The plant's metabolic activity is closely tied to its photosynthetic efficiency and its ability to synthesize secondary metabolites, which are often produced in response to environmental stressors. Its water regulation and transpiration rates are governed by stomatal conductance, which manages the balance between carbon dioxide intake for photosynthesis and the prevention of excessive moisture loss.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Croton membranaceus has 1 reported plant parts identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. Magnetic resonance in chemistry : MRC
2. Journal of toxicology
3. Ghana medical journal
4. Journal of clinical and diagnostic research : JCDR

Chemicals

Croton membranaceus has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include julocrotine, scopoletin.

julocrotine

1. Fitoterapia

scopoletin

1. Magnetic resonance in chemistry : MRC

Activities

Croton membranaceus has 2 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Hypoglycemic, Hypotensive.

Hypoglycemic

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Hypotensive

1. Journal of clinical and diagnostic research : JCDR

Medicinal Uses

Croton membranaceus has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include benign prostatic hyperplasia, Cardiovascular disease, Prostate cancer, measles, prostate cancer.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations