Croton sphaerogynus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the diverse landscapes of Brazil. Its presence is specifically documented across several key regions of the country. Within the national territory, it can be located in the Northeast region of Brazil. Additionally, the species extends its range into the Southeast region of Brazil. These specific areas represent its primary geographical distribution.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Croton sphaerogyne is fundamentally defined by its specialization within the Restinga ecosystem, a unique coastal landscape characterized by sandy soils and high environmental variability. In these habitats, the species thrives under conditions of intense solar radiation and periodic salt spray, adapting to the nutrient-poor, well-drained substrates typical of sand dune and coastal scrub formations. Its presence in the Restinga signifies a specific niche occupancy where it contributes to the stabilization of sandy environments and participates in the complex successional dynamics of these maritime ecosystems. Through its physiological adaptations to these specific coastal stressors, Croton sphaerogyne plays an integral role in the structural and biological integrity of its native Restinga habitat.

Habitat :

Restinga

Life history

The life history of Croton sphaerogyne is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, meaning its perennating buds are located high above the ground on woody stems, allowing it to persist through various seasonal changes. Depending on the specific environmental conditions and the structural development of its canopy, its growth habit may also be described through the lens of a nanophanerophyte, reflecting a specialized stature within the woody plant spectrum. This perennial life cycle enables the plant to establish a stable presence in its habitat, utilizing its elevated meristematic tissues to survive unfavorable periods before resuming active growth and reproduction.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Croton sphaerogyne is characterized by a woody growth form, manifesting primarily as a shrub or small tree that can reach a maximum plant height of 5 meters. It is a terrestrial species, functioning as an independent organism rather than a parasite or an epiphyte. Unlike climbing plants that act as lianas or vines, this species is self-supporting in its structural development. Its habit is strictly non-aquatic, occupying terrestrial habitats rather than semiaquatic or aquatic environments.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Croton sphaerogynus 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. Veterinary parasitology

Conditions

Croton sphaerogynus has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include tick infestations.

Tick infestations

1. Veterinary parasitology

Preparations

Croton sphaerogynus has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include leaf extracts.

Leaf extracts

1. Veterinary parasitology