Common Name:

General Information

Croton piptocalyx is a semideciduous shrub or a tree with a dense, globose crown; it can grow up to 20 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 50 - 70cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its wood. It is suitable for use in reforestation projects[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Semideciduous forests, mainly in secondary formations and usually in the bottoms of valleys and on alluvial plains where the humidity is higher[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[]. Most Croton species are relatively indifferent to their habitat and can grow on a wide range of soils in both disturbed and undisturbed vegetation[].
A fast-growing tree, easily reaching a height of 4 metres within two years from seed[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A fast-growing, natural pioneer species, it can be used for increasing the density of woodlands and also in reforestation projects to re-establish native woodland[].

Other Uses

The sapwood and heartwood are undifferentiated. The wood is light in weight, of low mechanical resistance, and of low durability when exposed to the elements. It can be used for internal work, ceilings, toys, light artefacts, boxes etc[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A low germination rate can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 25 - 45 days[]. When the seedlings are 4 - 5cm tall, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out 4 - 5 months later[].
The seed has a viability of less than 4 months[].

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