TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA


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Excoecaria cochinchinensis, Excoecaria bicolor, Strawberry Cream, Jungle Fire, Chinese croton, Variegated Leaf. Excoecaria cochinchinensis variegata
Excoecaria cochinchinensis variegata

Excoecaria cochinchinensis, Excoecaria bicolor

Strawberry Cream, Jungle Fire, Chinese croton, Variegated Leaf
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Origin: Indo-China, Vietnam
USDA Zone: 10-11?
USDA Plant Hardiness MapSmall plant 2-5 ftSemi-shadeFull sunModerate waterOrnamental foliageEthnomedical plant.
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles.
Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Irritating plant

Excoecaria cochinchinensis, or Strawberry Cream, is a small, branching evergreen native to Indo-China, particularly Vietnam. Growing up to two to five feet, its wood stems and pairs of beautiful shiny leaves with deep green tops and a brilliant laquered red beneath provide an ornamental foliage. However, its sap is toxic, leading to its being known as the “Blindness Tree” in Southeast Asia.

Excoecaria cochinchinensis appreciates full sun, partial shade, and moderate amounts of water; it is easy to grow, and tolerates a range of soil types well. It is hardy in USDA Zone 10-11. In colder regions, the plant is well suited to pot culture, and with proper preparation, can survive the winter indoors. To this end, Excoecaria cochinchinensis should be kept in a location with moist soil and good light, and should not be watered too much.

This plant has some ethnomedical value as well, with eight compounds having been obtained from the root and stem for testing against Staphylococcus aureus. The extracts were made using various extracting procedures, and a range of solvents were used.

In the end, Excoecaria cochinchinensis is a hardy and attractive small shrub that's easy to care for, and with its ornamental foliage, can be an interesting addition to any garden. As long as the plant is kept well-soil and watered, it can survive even cooler climates, making it a great choice for many homes.


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Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/excoecaria_cochinchinensis.htm