SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 12451.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "12451" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

lobed croton

Scientific Name: Croton lobatus

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual, Perennial

Other Names:

       

Lobed Croton (Croton lobatus)

Explore the fascinating world of the Lobed Croton, also known scientifically as Croton lobatus. This plant exhibits interesting characteristics and has a history that makes it a unique subject for botanical enthusiasts.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some species within the Croton and related Codiaeum genera have variegated leaves, sometimes described as crinkled or lobed, which might be tempting for pets to chew on.

Considerations for Children

  • The lobed leaves of some Croton varieties might attract the attention of children.
  • Some species within the Croton and related Codiaeum genera have variegated leaves, sometimes described as crinkled or lobed, which might be tempting for children to touch or chew on.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Croton lobatus L.
  • Common Name: Lobed Croton
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Family: Euphorbiaceae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Accepted Name: Astraea lobata (L.) Klotzsch

Distribution and Habitat

  • Croton lobatus has been found in South Florida, specifically in Fuchs Hammock.
  • It also occurs in the Antilles, Argentina (including Buenos Aires), Australia (Victoria), Belize, Benin, Bolivia, and Brazil.
  • In the US, it's extremely rare and primarily found in rockland hammocks in Miami-Dade County.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The leaves of Croton lobatus can be lobed.
  • Other Croton species have leaves that vary in shape, from long and thin to broad and rounded, straight or twisted, and either entire or lobed.
  • Seeds are enclosed in a 3-lobed capsule.

Genetic Information

  • The chromosome number for Croton lobatus is n = 9.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The seeds of some Croton species, enclosed in a 3-lobed capsule, are eaten by many birds. The leaves and flowers also provide resources for other organisms.

Historical Context

  • Frank C. Craighead apparently first collected Lobed Croton in South Florida in 1962.

Quirky Facts

  • The plant was originally described as 'lobatum' in 1753.

Additional Resources

  • USDA PLANTS database
  • Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
  • NatureServe
  • uBio
  • Tropicos
  • International Plant Names Index
  • Discover Life