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GENERAL
Origin
:
tropical
Vigour
:
normal growth
rate
Humidity
:
semi-humid, very
humid
Propagation :
cuttings, layer
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
vulnerable
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
high
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (1200
ppm)
Hardiness
:
+3°C
SHAPE
Type
:
shrub
Height
:
0.5 m-2.5 m
Spread
:
0.5 m-2 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
white
Size
:
0.3 cm
Period
:
July - August
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
0.9 cm
Better known as Croton, this evergreen shrub is widespread as a highly ornamental bush for the
garden or as a popular indoor plant. It originates from India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Indonesia,
where heat is accompanied by high atmospheric humidity and rainfall; hence, it demands abun-
dant water. In Arriyadh, it withstands the sun and dry air relatively well, but requires a position
sheltered from desiccating winds. The soil must be rich in humus and well drained. Crotons grow
their colourful foliage in partial sun. High contents of nutrients and high temperatures may redu-
ce the number of bright spots. Full sun bleaches the colours, while a lack of light results in greener
leaves with less yellow or red spots. The intensely mottled foliage is shiny and attracts the eye
from far, the major asset of Crotons. Plenty of varieties are bred such as ‘Petra’, with yellow veins
and red shades alternating with green. Its white flowers are insignificant. Favourable conditions
let it grow into a V-shaped bush of about 2.5 metres high and up to 2 metres wide. High levels of
humus are important, and it should not be exposed to drying winds. Severe cutting back is pos-
sible in early spring, if frost has damaged the leaves. It does well in containers, is an ideal indoor
plant and makes excellent focal points or colourful hedges. Stressed plants may occasionally be
infected by mealybugs or scale. Both cuttings and layering make for strong offspring easily. In
public gardens, it may as well be too exotic, but should be restricted to special sites.
113
Codiaeum variegatum,
Euphorbiaceae
Croton