Croton mongue
Croton mongue
Safety & Hazards
A toxic protein, monguine, was extracted from the seeds; it inhibits protein synthesis[1].
Cultivation Details
A plant of the moist tropics, where it is found at elevations up to 1,300 metres. It is found in regions with an average annual temperature of about 17°c; a mean annual rainfall in the range 2,000 - 3,000mm; and with up to 3 dry months in the year[1]. Most Croton species are relatively indifferent to their habitat and can grow on a wide range of soils in both disturbed and undisturbed vegetation[2]. This species is found in the wild on clayey and lateritic soils[1]. The tree is said to be fast-growing, though another report says that the average height after one year's growth from seed is only 28cm[1].
Propagation
Seed - pre-soaking in water for 48 hours improves germination rates. The seed usually germinates abundantly when sown in a sunny position, with a germination rate of around 65%, and sprouting taking place within 20 - 40 days[1]. Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2026-02-20. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Croton+mongue>
Pollinators
Data unavailable
References
- [1]Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. — http://www.prota.org ↩︎An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa.
- [2]Plant Resources of Southeast Asia — http://proseanet.org/ ↩︎Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia.