Croton oligandrus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Croton.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is geographically distributed across several regions within West-Central Tropical Africa. Specifically, it can be found growing in the territory of Cabinda. Its presence is also well-documented throughout the country of Cameroon. Additionally, the species inhabits various areas within Congo. Finally, the natural range of this medicinal plant extends into Gabon.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Croton oligandrus is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist across multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle within a single year. In terms of its structural growth strategy, it is classified as a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting traits consistent with both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte life forms. This indicates that its stem systems and buds are elevated above the ground level, protected from seasonal environmental stressors by its aerial structure.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Croton oligandrus is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically manifesting as a tree. This plant reaches an average height of approximately 8 meters and functions as a self-supporting organism, rather than acting as a climber or liana. It is a terrestrial species, maintaining an independent existence without exhibiting parasitic or epiphytic behavior.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

8 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Croton oligandrus is characterized by its metabolic processes and nutrient acquisition strategies. The plant utilizes a C3 photosynthetic pathway, meaning it fixes carbon dioxide through the Calvin cycle without the specialized carbon-concentrating mechanisms found in C4 or CAM plants. Furthermore, it does not function as a nitrogen fixer, relying instead on the uptake of available nitrogenous compounds from the soil through its root system rather than establishing symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Croton oligandrus 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 stem.

Stem

1. Natural product research

Chemicals

Croton oligandrus has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 7-OXODEHYDROABIETIC ACID, Acetyl aleuritolic acid, Cluytyl ferulate, Lupeol, ferulic acid.

7-OXODEHYDROABIETIC ACID

1. Natural product research

Acetyl aleuritolic acid

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Cluytyl ferulate

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Lupeol

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

ferulic acid

1. Natural product research

vanillin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Croton oligandrus has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include stem bark.

Stem bark

1. Natural product research