Croton (Genus of Euphorbiace)

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

a genus of Euphorbiaceæ the typical one of the tribe Crotoneӕ. Some are trees, others bushes, and yet others herbaceous plants ; the leaves and inflorescence are also variable. They occur in the warmer parts of both hemispheres. Some are purgative. A decoction of C. perdicipes is used in Brazil as a cure for syphilis and as a diuretic. The purgative root of C. campestris, and the leaves and bark of C. origanifolius, are diaphoretic and antispastic . The wood of C. Tiglium is sudorific, and used against syphilis; the seeds are purgative. The oil of C. Tiglium and Pavana, two East Indian trees, is so acrid as to blister the skin. They are used as diuretics and purgatives. Many are balsamic. C. balsamifer is used in Martinique in the preparation of the liquid called eau de mantes. Frankincense is extracted from C. thurifer and C. adipatus, which grow on the Amazon. C. humilis, found in the West Indies, has aromatic qualities, and is used in medicating baths. C. gratissimus is fragrant, and is used as a perfume by the Koras in south Africa. The balsam of C. origanifolius is employed as a substitute for copaiva. C. cascarilla is aromatic. Yet others have a coloring matter. C. Draco and C. sanguiferum furnish a red substance like gum-lac. C. cascarilla, a Jamaica bush, was thought to furnish the cascarilla of commerce, which is now known to be derived from C. Eleuteria, a Bahama shrub; that of Mexico comes from C. pseudo-China; and C. nitens, C. cascarilloides, micans, and suberosus might also be made to yield cascarilla.