Croton gratissimus.
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Scientific
Classification:
Synonyms: Oxydectes gratissima
(Burch.) Kuntze. Species
ID: NMP-225;wfo-0000931164;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 316784 Common
Name: Croton
gratissimus is commonly known as "Lavender Fever Berry." Local Names: Tonedibonhani (Songhai; Mali), eto obuma
(Efik; Nigeria), mfam (Ejagham; Nigeria), koriba (Hausa; Niger), tondi-bon
heeni (Songhai; Niger), koriba (Hausa; Upper Volta), adiekofole (Yoruba-Nago;
Dahomey), aje-ofoŋla (Krio; Sierra Leone), moromoro (Kanuri; Nigeria),
kuru-tinjengo (Manding-Mandinka; Sierra Leone), jefulwal (Yoruba-Aku; Sierra
Leone), aje ko bale, aje kofole (Yoruba; Nigeria), icen masar, koriba (Hausa;
Nigeria), djelele (Gbe-Fon; Dahomey). Description: Croton gratissimus is a
shrub or small tree that may reach up to 10 meters in height in South Africa
but can grow taller further north in Africa. It is a slender tree with fine,
drooping foliage and a crown that spreads upwards in a 'V'-shape with drooping
terminal branches. The leaves are simple and alternate, with a striking silvery
under-surface and a dark green, shiny upper surface. The plant bears small
cream to golden yellow flowers in spikes about 10 cm long. The fruit is a
three-lobed capsule, about 10 mm in diameter and densely scaly. Distribution
and Habitat:
This species occurs in Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Ivory
Coast, Burkina Faso, the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Angola, Malawi,
Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the northern parts of South Africa. It is
often found in rocky terrain. Medicinal
Properties:
The Bantu and Bushmen use extracts from the bark of this species for a host of
medicinal purposes. Known
Toxicity: The
tree's bark yields the toxalbumin crotin and the diterpene crotonin, indicating
potential toxicity. Additional
Information:
The crushed, slender-petioled leaves are pleasingly and distinctively fragrant
with an aromatic oil reminiscent of sweet flag. The leaves are strikingly
silver on the under surface and dotted with brown glands. References:
External
Links
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| Compounds of Croton gratissimus. | |
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