Croton, Variegated Laurel
Codiaeum variegatum

Family: Euphorbiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 3-8 m high. The leaves vary in shape. They are oval and taper to the base. They are thick and leathery. Leaves can have a range of colours. They are 10-20 cm long by 4-8 cm wide. Flowers are separately male and female. The male flowers are in groups of 2-6 while the female flowers are single. The fruit is a capsule 0.6-0.8 cm across.

There are about 6-17 Codiaeum species. In Botanical Gardens in Slovenia presumably in a hot house.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. They do best in moist, humus-rich soil. It grows from sea level to 900 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 11-12. In XTBG Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Caroline Islands, Central America, China, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Fiji, Haiti, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Kiribati, Malaysia (country/location of origin), Mariana Islands, Marquesas, Micronesia, Myanmar, Niue, Pacific, Pakistan, Palau, Pan tropical, Philippines, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, USA, Vanuatu, West Indies

How it is used for food

The very young leaves of some kinds are eaten as a flavouring. They are blanched for salads. Caution: It can be toxic or produce allergies.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. Tip cuttings or air layering can be used. It can be used for hedges or living fences.

Its other names

Local names

Bombay laurel, Hahali, Katomas, Koson, Leston puyitos, Paw-bye-la, Pisani kroton, Puding mas, Puding perak, Puring, Sasli, Tomas, Ywehla-kyet-hmi, Ywethla

Synonyms

Codiaeum chrysosticton Rumph. ex Spreng. [Illegitimate]; Codiaeum variegatum (L.) Blume; Croton pictus Lodd.; ? Croton variegatus L.; Crozophyla variegata (L.) Raf.; Oxydectes variegata (L.) Kuntze; Phyllaurea variegata (L.) W. Wight;