(Vol.15, 2012-12) Croton Pascualii (Euphorbiaceae S.S.), a New Arborescent Croton with an Accrescent Calyx From the Pacific Slope of Oaxaca, Mexico

A new arborescent species of Croton with accrescent pistillate calyx, Croton pascualii, is described and illustrated from the Pacific Slope of Oaxaca, Mexico. It has certain characteristics in common with Croton oerstedianus, a species included in the section Corylocroton. The proposed new species is characterized by its unisexual cymules, large and broadly ovate imbricate sepals of the pistillate flowers, and capsules ca 12 mm long. The foliage and resin of the new species have a pleasant, persistent aromatic fragrance suggestive of Quararibea or of celery (Apium graveolens). Croton pascualii is thus far known only from the Tropical Moist Semi-Evergreen Forest (selva mediana subperennifolia) of the Pacific Slope of Oaxaca, and has been collected in flower from June to September.Billie L. Turner Plant Resources Cente