Euphorbiaceae
Croton menyharthii
Rough-leaved Croton
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Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This is a much-branched shrub or small tree, typically growing up to 5 metres tall. It features brownish-grey bark and young twigs covered in pale whitish to yellowish hairy scales. Its alternate leaves are elliptic to lanceolate, rough and yellowish-green on top with sparse stellate hairs, and densely covered in white to yellowish hairy scales underneath; dying leaves turn bright orange. Small, pale yellowish-green flowers appear in short terminal spikes, followed by 3-lobed capsules, approximately 6 mm in diameter, covered in greyish to yellowish scales and often speckled with black dots.
Where it works in Kilifi
Thriving in deciduous bushland, dune bushland, and thickets from sea-level, this species is well-suited for a Kilifi-coast garden. Plant in full sun on a wide range of well-drained soils, including sandy types, as a specimen, part of a hedge, or in restoration plantings in dry bushland areas.
Growing notes
This plant is resilient, with most Croton species tolerating a wide range of soils once established. No specific hazards are known for this species.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: theferns.info, zimbabweflora.co.zw, mozambiqueflora.com, zambiaflora.com, jstor.org, capriviflora.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.