Common Name: Hairy croton.
Hairy croton is native to Tropical America, off-late this plant has made a strong foothold in India and threatens to become invasive. Not commonly seen in Coimbatore but very common in rural Palakkad district (Kerala) areas.The entire plant is covered with stiff white hairs. The plant grows to a height of about 1 feet. The simple leaves are arranged in an alternative manner; leaf margin is crenate; leaf base is rounded or retuse; the overall leaf shape is ovate and the leaf as an acute tip. The leaf stalk and leaf measure around 3.5 cm and 5.5 cm respectively. The inflorescence is in the form of a terminal raceme. The male flowers are found towards the upper end of the raceme and the female flowers occupy the lower level. The flower has no distinct petals, the overall flower color is white. The fruit is in the form of a three lobed capsule.
