Croton megalocarpus aka Kenya Croton

Croton megalocarpus is a large deciduous tree that can reach 35 meters (115 feet) in height with a crown spread of up to 25 meters. The cylindrical trunk can grow to 120 cm in diameter, remaining unbranched for up to 20 meters. This fast-growing species can reach 3 meters in just 2 years under favorable conditions and typically lives around 60 years.

Croton megalocarpus prefers moist soil conditions but develops excellent drought tolerance once established, thanks to its extensive deep root system. In its native habitat, it thrives with 900-1,900 mm annual rainfall and tolerates dry seasons of 3-4 months. Young trees benefit from regular watering, while established specimens can survive extended dry periods.

Croton megalocarpus performs best in light, deep, well-drained soils with a pH ranging from mildly acidic to mildly alkaline. While the tree shows preference for sandy-loamy soils, it demonstrates adaptability to various soil types once established. Good drainage is essential to prevent root issues.

Croton megalocarpus thrives in tropical climates with mean annual temperatures of 11-26°C (52-79°F). It is frost-tender and suited to USDA hardiness zones 10-12. In its native East African habitat, it grows at elevations between 700-2,400 meters where temperatures remain warm year-round without freezing conditions.

Croton megalocarpus is propagated primarily from seed, with excellent germination rates of approximately 95% within 45 days without pre-treatment. Seeds should be collected fresh from fallen fruit, as viability decreases over time due to high oil content. Refrigerated storage at 3°C can maintain 80% germination for up to one year. Each kilogram contains 1,000-1,700 seeds.

Yes, Croton megalocarpus produces conspicuous yellowish-white flowers arranged in pendulous racemes up to 30 cm long. The tree is monoecious, with female flowers clustered near the base and male flowers (with 25-40 stamens) above. Flowering typically begins at 4 years of age, and trees fruit twice annually, approximately 5 months after seasonal rains.

Croton megalocarpus flowers are pollinated primarily by insects, especially bees. The conspicuous yellowish-white flowers attract pollinators, and bees visiting these flowers produce a distinctive dark amber honey. This makes the tree valuable in agroforestry systems that integrate beekeeping.

Croton megalocarpus is exclusively an outdoor tree, native to tropical Africa and suitable for USDA zones 10-12. It requires full sun and develops an extensive root system, making it unsuitable for containers. The tree thrives in tropical and subtropical regions with warm temperatures and no frost, at elevations from 700-2,400 meters.

In traditional African medicine, bark decoctions from Croton megalocarpus are used to treat whooping cough, pneumonia, malaria and other fevers, stomach complaints, and parasitic worm infections. Leaf sap is applied to aid wound healing. However, laboratory tests show bark extracts have only weak antibacterial activity. Modern research is exploring compounds like magnoflorine for potential anxiolytic properties.

Croton megalocarpus has exceptional practical value. The timber ('musine') is used for furniture, construction, flooring, and joinery. It makes excellent firewood and charcoal. Seeds yield oil for biofuel production, while the protein-rich seed cake feeds livestock. The tree provides shade for coffee plantations, serves as windbreaks and living fences, and supports bee populations for honey production. Its foliage makes good mulch.

Croton megalocarpus is notably pest-resistant. The timber has moderate durability against termites and borer attacks, with the wood containing compounds that deter these pests. The tree is not browsed by livestock due to unpalatable compounds, which is why it's commonly used for living fences. Research has identified trans-ozic acid in nut husks, which may contribute to insect resistance.

Within its suitable climate range (USDA zones 10-12), Croton megalocarpus is relatively easy to establish from seed with 95% germination rates. The tree is fast-growing, drought-tolerant once established, and pest-resistant. However, it requires full sun, warm temperatures (11-26°C), frost-free conditions, and substantial space for its mature size of up to 35 meters tall.