Croton Tiglium

Description

Croton Tiglium is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia and the Indian Subcontinent. It is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 10 meters tall. The plant is commonly known as Croton, Purging Croton, or the Croton Oil Plant. The plant produces seeds that are used for medicinal purposes and as a source of oil.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The leaves of Croton Tiglium are alternate, simple, and oblong in shape. They are dark green in color with a glossy surface and can grow up to 30 cm in length. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow in color. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that contains three seeds. The seeds are oval in shape, about 1.5 cm in length, and have a hard, smooth surface.

Care Guide

Croton Tiglium requires regular watering, but it is important not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot. The plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant requires full sunlight and can be grown in hardiness zones 9-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

The most common pests that affect Croton Tiglium are mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on the sap of the plant, while spider mites are tiny, red insects that spin webs on the leaves. The plant is also susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew.

Habitat

Croton Tiglium is native to Southeast Asia and the Indian Subcontinent, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world such as Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean. It grows in tropical and subtropical regions and can be found in forests, along riverbanks, and in open areas.

Question and Answer

Q: What are the medicinal properties of Croton Tiglium?
A: The seeds of Croton Tiglium are used for their laxative and purgative properties.
Q: Can Croton Tiglium be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Croton Tiglium can be grown indoors, but it requires bright light and warm temperatures.
Q: How often should Croton Tiglium be fertilized?
A: Croton Tiglium should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Croton Tiglium?
A: Croton Tiglium can be grown in hardiness zones 9-11.

Related Plants

• Croton
• Croton Petra
• Croton Punctatus
• Croton Macrostachyus

References

• “Croton Tiglium – Purging Croton.” Plantzafrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute, 2014, www.plantzafrica.com/plantcd/croton.html.
• “Croton Tiglium.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d307.
• “Croton Tiglium.” The Plant List, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden, 2013, www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-53207.