Croton sylvaticus
is a member of a large tropical genus represented by several tree
species in Southern Africa. This extremely attractive tree has a wide,
spreading, dense, dark green, leafy crown and the long, straight trunk
of this fast growing species can reach as much as 1 meter in diameter.
Although the showy, salmon coloured fruits are toxic, various species of
birds such as the Red eyed Turtle Dove, the Green Pigeon, Cinnamon
Doves, Weavers and Hornbills find the fruit irresistible. The Forest
fever tree is host to the well known Green veined Charaxes butterfly and
numerous insects are attracted to the flowers..
TREE DETAILS
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Botanical Name
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Croton sylvaticus
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Common Name
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Forest fever berry
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Genus
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Euphorbiaceae
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RSA National Tree No’
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330
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LANDSCAPING USES
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The
highly decorative Forest fever tree is a superb shade tree for a wide
variety of landscaping applications. In October, November and December
these trees look absolutely lovely when the abundance of delicate flower
sprays appear, but, when the masses of showy, salmon coloured fruit
appear, these trees are a truly magnificent sight. Use the Croton sylvaticus
for any area where a fast growing and attractive shade tree is needed.
This is a lovely choice for shading a patio, creating a shady spot to
relax in the garden, or any other recreational area and gives the added
benefit of attracting a host of small wildlife as well. Whether The
Forest fever tree is planted as a single specimen where its beauty can
be appreciated through all the seasons or whether it is planted as a
hedge or screen for privacy, this tree deserves to be more widely grown.
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TREE SPECIFICATIONS
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Height | 7 – 13m |
Spread
| 3 – 5m |
Deciduous/Evergreen
| Deciduous |
Growth Habit
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The
forest fever berry is found growing naturally in riverine and coastal
forest and inland scrub as well as in moist woodland areas.
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Bark
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The bark of Croton sylvaticus is pale grey and smooth becoming somewhat darker and rougher as the tree matures.
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Foliage
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The
thin, dark green leaves are long stalked with two small knob like
glands at the tip of the petiole. The leaf blade is ovate to ovate
lanceolate, tapering towards the apex, distinctly 5-veined from the base
with 4 – 5 lateral veins per side and margins with small irregular
teeth.
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Flowers
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The
creamy, to pale yellow flowers are borne in long terminal racemes in
spring. Both male and female flowers are produced on the same flower
spike.
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Fruit
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The
soft, rough, hairy fruit capsule is about 13 mm wide, consists of three
roundish lobes and is a lovely salmon orange in colour.
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Seed
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There are usually three oval, brown seeds per fruit capsule.
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GROWING REQUIREMENTS
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Growing regions
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Croton sylvaticus
Is mainly found in the warmer regions of the country from Port St Johns
along the coast to Kwa Zulu Natal, and up towards Mpumalanga and
Limpopo.
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Growing conditions
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The
Forest fever berry performs best in a sunny or semi shaded position
with moderate quantities of water. Apply a generous layer of mulch or
compost to keep the roots cool and moist.
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Best season
| Spring - Summer |
Hardiness
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Although Croton sylvaticus prefers warm, moist conditions, these trees will withstand drier conditions but should be given some protection from frost.
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Propagation
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Propagate
from seed that has been sown in a good seedling mix and keep seed trays
moist but not too wet. Transplant into bags when the second set of
‘real’ leaves appear.
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Growth rate
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Fast
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INTERESTING FEATURES
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Renowned
for its many medicinal applications, many parts of the Forest fever
tree have long been used in traditional medicine. The leaves are used as
a poultice to treat pleurisy while the bark is used to treat ailments
such as rheumatism, bleeding gums and intestinal disorders. The soft,
pale timber is used for carving decorative household items.
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