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Description

An ornamental evergreen shrub to 1.8m, cultivated for its colourful foliage, either as a tub or garden plant.

The flowers are small, white and clustered along a common stalk arising out of the upper leaf axils.

The leaves are alternate and can vary in shape from linear to ovate, entire or lobed, or spirally twisted. Leaves are usually thick and leathery, variegated in colours of red, yellow, white or green.

Toxicity

  • Potentially toxic

  • Irritant to skin or eyes

Symptoms

Leaves, bark and roots cause a burning sensation in the mouth if chewed. Dermatitis and eczema have been recorded from contact with the clear sap.

Images

Codiaeum plant

Details

Common name: Codiaeum

Botanical nameCodiaeum species. The most common species is Codiaeum variegatum var. pictum.

Other common names: Cultivars include ‘Baronne de Rothschild’, ‘Joseph’s Coat’, ‘Goldfinger’, ‘Mortii’, ‘Norwood Beauty’, ‘Prince of Wales’, ‘Princess Mary’ and ‘Tartan’.

Family: Euphorbiaceae

General description: An ornamental evergreen shrub to 1.8m, cultivated for its colourful foliage, either as a tub or garden plant.

Flowers: The flowers are small, white and clustered along a common stalk arising out of the upper leaf axils.

Leaves: The leaves are alternate and can vary in shape from linear to ovate, entire or lobed, or spirally twisted. Leaves are usually thick and leathery, variegated in colours of red, yellow, white or green.

Other: The sap is clear.

Last updated: November 2024