It is indigenous to ten countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique.

Traditional medical uses for croton include the bark, seeds, roots and leaves being used for medicinal purposes such as stomach ailments, malaria, wound clotting, and pneumonia.

Previously a wasted resource, croton has been promoted as a local, more sustainable avenue to biofuel production in place of failed jatropha projects.

Croton nut oil (CNO) has been promoted for its perceived benefits in combating climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Compared to diesel, CNO is self-lubricating and has a higher flash point making it safer and causes lower exhaust emissions.

There is a limited research on the production of biodiesel from CNO but as a biofuel it can be blended in any ratio with or as a replacement for diesel in stationary equipment and generator sets.