croton

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkrəʊt(ə)n/

noun

  • 1a strong-scented tree, shrub, or herbaceous plant of the spurge family, native to tropical and warm regions. Several kinds yield timber and other commercially important products.
    • Genus Croton, family Euphorbiaceae: numerous species, including C. laccifer, the host plant for the lac insect
  • 2a small evergreen tree or shrub of the Indo-Pacific region, which is grown for its colourful ornamental foliage.
    • Genus Codiaeum, family Euphorbiaceae: several species

Origin:

modern Latin, from Greek krotōn 'sheep tick' (from the shape of the seeds of the croton in croton (sense 1))