Excoecaria bicolor (Hassk.) Zoll. ex Hassk.
Vernacular name: Chinese croton, Bicolor Excoecaria
Species Name: Excoecaria bicolor (Hassk.) Zoll. ex Hassk.
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Habit: Evergreen ornamental shrub
Stem: Woody, erect, smooth grey bark; branches green with white variegation.
Leaf: Opposite, oblong-lanceolate, 7-12 cm long, glossy dark green above, reddish-purple or cream variegated below.
Flowering: April–July
Flowers: Greenish-yellow, unisexual, small axillary spikes.
Fruit: 3-lobed capsule, 1 cm diameter.
Uses
- Leaf decoction is used to treat skin infections and ulcers.
- Northeast India tribes use sap for fish stunning.
- Plant is used as hedges in Assam villages.
- It is called “red leaf poison plant” for its irritant latex.
- In Feng Shui, plant is suggested to bring balance, prosperity and positive energy.
- Roasted leaf decoction is used to help with urticaria and herpes zoster.
- Plant has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antifungal properties.
- Plant is used in treatment of arthritis.
- Plant is toxic, infact toxic sap can cause temporary blindness.
