ABSTRACT
Croton is the second largest genus in Euphorbiaceae, with about 1,200 species, distributed predominantly in the Americas. This study was based on herbarium material and field observations. A total of 15 species was recognized, only C. heliotropiifolius with wide distribution in the study area, occurring in caatinga vegetation. Croton adamantinus, C. corchoropsis, C. nummularius, C. rudolphianus, and C. virgultosus are found only in the sandstone complex of São José plateau, Buíque, growing up in rocky vegetation. Identification keys, descriptions, comments about morphological relationships and geographic distribution, and illustrations of species are provided.
Key words:
Caatinga; Crotonoideae; floristics; national park; Northeast; taxonomy