bergboegoe, korannaboegoe, laventelbos, laventelkoorsbessie
ilabele, inkubathi, isikhumampuphu
A small to medium-sized evergreen tree or large shrub with aromatic leaves. Leaves are simple, ovate to lanceolate, densely covered with silvery to lavender hairs giving a distinctive greyish-green appearance. Flowers are small, yellow-green, inconspicuous, appearing in spring. Fruits are small capsules. Valued for its aromatic foliage and medicinal uses. Ecologically important as a nectar source and shelter.
Supports a variety of pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. Leaves provide shelter for insects and small reptiles. Fruits eaten by birds and small mammals. Important in local insect food webs.
Small, nectar-bearing flowers attract bees and butterflies. Fruits consumed by birds and rodents aiding seed dispersal. Capsules explode to disperse seeds.
Provides food for nectarivorous birds such as sunbirds; dense foliage offers shelter and nesting sites. Attracts insectivorous birds like cuckoos.
Seeds collected from mature capsules when they trun brown in late summer; sow fresh for best germination. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. Germination moderate to good.
If needed, store in dry conditions.
Possible but difficult; use rooting hormone, semi-hardwood cuttings have low success rates.
The aromatic leaves of Croton gratissimus are used for perfume and incense, and its bark is used in traditional medicine to treat coughs, colds, malaria, fever, bleeding gums, chest complaints, indigestion, skin inflammation, and respiratory disorders. Aromatic oils used for insect repellents. No known livestock toxicity.The wood is used for small carvings and utensils, and the tree attracts pollinators and insectivorous birds, contributing to biodiversity conservation.
