The morphological characterization and taxonomic relationships of the genus Julocroton Mart, are given in this paper, as well as a preliminar review of distribution patterns of the brasilian species. There are three distinct patterns. Widespread species (J. triqueter (Lam.) Baill., J. fuscescens (Spreng.) Baill., J. solanaceus Muell. Arg., J. lanceolatus Muell. Arg. e J. humilis Diedr.); endemic species (J. gardneri Muell. Arg. e J. doratophylloides Croizat) and disjunct species (J. paniculatus Paz & Hoffm. e J. vilosissimus Chod. & Hassler).
Euphorbiaceae; Julocroton; taxonomy; distribution patterns