The generic name comes from the Greek κρότος (krótos), which means "tick" and refers to the shape of the seeds of certain species.

[2] Croton is a diverse and complex taxonomic group of plants ranging from herbs and shrubs to trees.

[4] C. tiglium oil has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat severe constipation or heal lesions, and is used as a purgative.

In the Amazon, the red latex from the species C. lechleri, known as sangre de drago (dragon's blood), is used as a "liquid bandage", as well as for other medicinal purposes, by native peoples.

Croton trees are planted as a windbreak in Kenya, and their use as a source of biofuel may benefit rural economies there.