34 MISC. PUB. 882, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE 
Sein ee 
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BN-—13171 
| FIGURE 17.—Broombush (Croton betulinus Vahl) 
DistTRIBUTION AND Haprrat.—Broombush is common to all of the 
Virgin Islands. It grows in the most extreme rainfall belts on a 
variety of soil types. It is most prevalent in thickets surrounding 
wooded areas and occurs as scattered plants throughout the forests. 
Broombush thrives equally well in full sunhight and rather deep 
shade. It is an uncommon weed in waste grounds and in areas sur- 
rounding cultivated fields. The plants are more common in the inter- 
mediate rainfall areas. 
Toxiciry AND Symproms.—Results of chick-feeding trials indicate 
that broombush has toxic properties similar to those of Croton astrottes 
Dryand. (See Croton astroites Dryand.) 
