COSTA RICA CROTON WANDERINGS-THE MANY FACES OF PICTURATUM

[donroberth]

PICTURATUM: CATEGORY - VERY NARROW LEAF (MASTER NAME LIST)


“Type C, 1/2" x 12", - Long very narrow leaves. The new leaves are green which becomes dark red as leaves mature. The midrib is first outlined with yellow which becomes bright red as the leaves mature.”REF: Paper prepared by Wm. A. Geiger in collaboration with Mr. Christian of the Christian Nursery, Mr. Van der Lean and Mr. George L. Peacock. p.13.

“Long, narrow leaves, yellow midrib; bright red with age.”REF: Reasoner's Tropical Nurseries inc, croton listing. Group 1, Common Varieties, p.2.

NOTE: FORUM CONTRIBUTORS...you can always count on them for exceptional advise.

Phil Stager (Majesticum vs Picturatum): “Someone was looking for a good way to ID these two. Picturatum has a definite deep dark red mid vein; Majesticum does not. Picturatum leaves are usually under 18" in length; Majesticum are usually over 18" but these can vary due to light and other cultural conditions. See attached pics of both; if it has a deep red mid vein, it's a Picturatum.”

Closeups for Ana: Photos #1-2-3-4 & 5

 

[donroberth]

Photos 06 & 07: rural photos…the picturatums are left basically on their own subject to the elements.

Photo 08: placed in a planter box under a porch and receives no direct light…#09 & #10 form part of Croton cluster gardens.

 

[donroberth]

Photo 11, 12 & 13: more country cultivars left pretty much up to the elements with very little proper maintenance…all 3 very nice specimens.

Photo # 14: located in Roberticos Garden.

 

[donroberth]

Photo # 15: this “guy” has morphed completely red.

Photo # 16: found in a small boutique hotel

Photo # 17: country cluster…larger cultivar in the back-round receives less light than its neighbor in the front, consequently more color.

Photo # 18: notwithstanding the KENTUCKY in the lower right-hand corner this is probably the best specimen of PICTURATUM that I have found in my “wanderings”.

 

[annafl]

Absolutely great photos of a beautiful croton, Robert! Thanks so much for a wonderful presentation.

 

[Moose]

Roberto - you have posted so many wonderful photos and have been a devout follower of this forum. What do we have to do to get you to visit South Florida? I know that you would be a much honored guest in many gardens here. It would be an experience you would never forget. Time to take the plunge and just do it.