Common Name:

General Information

Croton penduliflorus is a tree with a spreading crown growing up to 25 metres tall. The bole can be up to 50cm in diameter[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of timber. The seeds are sometimes sold in local markets.

Known Hazards

The seeds are toxic[].

Botanical References

Range

West tropical Africa - Sierra Leone to Central African Republic and Gabon.

Habitat

Lowland forest, mostly in rocky or dry localities[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	20.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Most Croton species are relatively indifferent to their habitat and can grow on a wide range of soils in both disturbed and undisturbed vegetation[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A leaf infusion is taken to treat menstrual disorders[].
A leaf infusion is applied externally to treat fevers[].

The seed oil is abortifacient and purgative[]. A seed extract is taken to treat stomach complaints and uterine tumours[]. Mashed with cassava, the seeds are eaten as a purgative[]. Combined with the leaves of Senna elata, they are used as a laxative[].

A petroleum ether extract of the seeds given orally showed increased gastric emptying and also produced oedema in the stomach plus mild inflammatory reactions in the intestines. In addition to its irritant effect, it produced pathological lesions in several organs after chronic oral administration[].
Seed oil crystals administered orally showed significant protection against gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers at moderate doses[].

Other Uses

A fatty oil is obtained from the seeds[]. No further information is given.

The yellow wood is used to make rafters[].

Propagation

Seed -

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