Croton (Codiaeum variegatum 'Batik') is often confused with Croton (Codiaeum variegatum 'Bush on Fire') ... indeed, in some sites they are listed as synonymous / ie, interchangeable names for one and the same plant. As it happens, I grow both varieties ... under identical circumstances, same conditions, and side by side.

While they are similar, they exhibit at least (2) very distinctively different characteristics:

1) Codiaeum variegatum 'Batik' has long, narrow, much straighter leaves and the width is basically the same for the length of each leaf ... whereas (Codiaeum variegatum 'Bush on Fire' is slightly ovate, with a leaf that is wider near the center than at its ends.

And 2) when reviewing Codiaeum variegatum 'Batik', I have found that the colour appears to dominate along the center vein of each leaf, presenting in long bands of colour ... whereas with Codiaeum variegatum 'Bush on Fire', the colours present in dots and splotches all over the leaf surface rather than concentrated on the central vein.

Either can display with yellow, orange and / or red patterning on either deep green or deep brown leaves. But there are consistent differences between them (under identical growing conditions), and it's a shame some sites are not more careful in their labeling of these colourful plants.

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