Croton macrostachyus

Croton macrostachyus

Croton macrostachyus

Origin: Indigenous

C. macrostachyus is a deciduous tree that boasts a rounded and open crown with expansive branches, typically reaching heights of 2-5 meters. Its bark is pale grey and relatively smooth. The leaves, which are large and heart-shaped, measure up to 15 cm in length, featuring prominent veins and two stalked glands at the leaf base, with a softer, paler underside due to the presence of hairs. Creamy yellow flowers emit a sweet scent in erect spikes up to 25 cm long, adorning the tree abundantly. However, these blooms are short-lived, with the flower spikes bending downward as fruits develop. The fruit consists of pea-sized capsules on drooping spikes up to 30 cm long, which split open with a sharp noise to disperse shiny grey seeds enveloped in a soft cream aril.

Uses: firewood, charcoal, timber, poles, tool handles, and medicinal purposes utilizing sap, leaves, roots, and bark. Additionally, it serves as fodder, bee forage, mulch, and aids in soil conservation. Its ceremonial and veterinary medicinal uses further highlight its versatility.

Notes: Caution must be exercised as both the seeds and resin are toxic. The Maasai community utilize its stems for crafting sword sheaths, while its distinct spicy odor when used as fuelwood may deter some. Nevertheless, it proves to be an excellent choice for intercropping.

Also see Croton megalocarpus