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Alabama croton

Scientific Name: Croton alabamensis var. alabamensis

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub, Subshrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Alabama Croton (Croton alabamensis)

The Alabama Croton is a rare and beautiful shrub native to North America. It offers unique characteristics and can be a distinctive addition to gardens within its suitable range.

Considerations for Pets

  • As a member of the Euphorbiaceae (Spurge) family, similar to Poinsettia, it's worth researching general precautions associated with plants in this family regarding pets.

Considerations for Children

  • As a member of the Euphorbiaceae (Spurge) family, similar to Poinsettia, it's worth researching general precautions associated with plants in this family regarding children.

Common Names

  • Alabama Croton
  • Texabama Croton (as a synonym)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Croton alabamensis E.A. Sm. ex Chapm.
  • Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Variety (Croton alabamensis var. alabamensis is mentioned)
  • Synonyms: Texabama Croton

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to North America, specifically found in the Southeastern United States, including Alabama and Tennessee.
  • Historically considered endemic to a few counties in Alabama and Tennessee, but populations have been found elsewhere.
  • Specifically found in Bibb and Tuscaloosa counties of central Alabama.
  • Grows on limestone bluffs.
  • Thrives in dry, poor, alkaline soil.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Semi-evergreen to deciduous shrub.
  • Thicket-forming habit.
  • Reaches a height of 6-10 feet.
  • Forms a loose, rounded shape.
  • Irregular, multi-stemmed shrub.
  • Leaves are alternate, simple, evergreen, oblong, with prominent silvery scales above and below.
  • Flower color: yellow

Quirky Facts

  • Crushed leaves are said to have a banana-apple fragrance.

Ecological Role

  • Considered one of the rarest shrubs of North America.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Mentioned in the context of sharing a habitat with 70 fish species and 21 other rare fish species in areas like the Cahaba River.

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Croton alabamensis.