Codiaeum variegatum (L.) Rumph. ex A.Juss.
Vernacular name: Garden croton, Variegated laurel (Hindi: पत्ता रंग / कण्टकी)
Species Name: Codiaeum variegatum (L.) Rumph. ex A.Juss.
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Habit: Evergreen shrub
Stem: Woody, thick, often milky sap, 2-3 m tall.
Leaf: Alternate, lanceolate-obovate 10-30 cm long, leathery, highly variegated (green/pink/red/yellow).
Flowering: Rarely flowers in cultivation
Flowers: Bracteate axillary racemes; small greenish-white petals (reduced), 20-25 stamens (anthers free), superior 3-carpellate ovary.
Fruit: Capsular 3-seeded, rarely formed.
Uses:
- Leaves provide striking ornamental foliage for tropical landscaping.
- Traditional Polynesian dye and wound dressing from sap.
- Hawaiian hala pepe fire-starting plant; Fijian spirit repellent hedge.
- In some regions, leaves are believed to ward off misfortune.
- Leaf decoction is used in treatment of intestinal problems, diarrhea and stomach aches in folk medicines of some regions.
- To treat skin disease in some folk remedies sap and root baths are used.
- All parts are highly toxic if ingested.
- Latex can cause allergic reaction, dermatitis and eczema.
