Croton

Croton Overview

Codiaeum is a genus containing around 16 evergreen perennial shrub species, grown for their leathery, shiny, attractive foliage which ranges in colour from shades of green to yellow, orange and red. Commonly cultivated as houseplants, this genus is from south-east Asia, Papuasia and Northern Australia. Flowers differ in appearance, with male flowers coloured white, 5-petaled, with 20-30 stamens, while female flowers are yellow coloured and have no petals. Both are borne on the same inflorescences, growing 8-30cm long. This genus has been widely cultivated for its foliage and cultivars vary in leaf size, shape and appearance. The foliage may aggravate allergies for those with sensitive skin.