Codiaeum variegatum

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Photographs by: Dr. Maulik Gadani

Botanical Name : Codiaeum variegatum (L.) Rumph. ex A.Juss.
The name of the genus is probably from Greek for head, the coloured leaves being used for crowning-wreaths or from the Malyan name.
Common Name : Croton
Plant Family : Euphorbiaceae
Plant Form : Herb
Occurrence (Sectors) : 5, 18, 20, 28
Occurrence (Special Areas) : Gujarat Forestry Research Foundation, Indroda Park, Van Chetana Kendra

Habit : Evergreen herb with wide variety of size, shape and colour of leaves.
Leaves :
- Simple, alternate, broad, narrowly lanceolate, linear, narrow-linear, lobed or constricted in the middle; margins entire, crisped or specially twisted or with appendages.
- There is a range of colour from green to yellow through orange, shades of red to almost black, striped, spotted or blotched in different colours.
Inflorescence : Axillary racemes.
Flowers : Tiny inconspicuous star-shaped yellow flowers that hang down.
Flowering and Fruiting Time : After monsoon.
Significance : A popular foliage plant grown in pot and ground.