What you are describing is an "interrupted leaf". There are a bunch of them in the Croton world. If yours is solid green, it's "Appendiculatum." If it's green on one side and purple on the other, it's called "Mother and Daughter". If you've got lots of yellows, pinks, and orange, it's probably "Victoria Gold Bells".
bahadawn - a warm welcome to the croton forum!
From your description, it sounds like you have what Ricky (fawnridge) suggested,
Appendiculatum. You can find a picture on page 11 of Dr. Frank Brown's book. The nursery you got your croton from either got it as "Green Bells" or changed the name as it sounds more appealing then
Appendiculatum. It is an old cultivar so hence the "weird" true name.
If you get the opportunity, I suggest you check out the list in the "14th Annual Spring Plant Extravaganza" thread. There will be large selection of crotons there (including many from Frank Brown's book) not often encountered in your typical nursery. It may be worthwhile to come by and browse.
Here is some info:
South Florida Location:
Searle Brothers Nursery, Inc.
6640 SW 172nd Avenue
Southwest Ranches, Florida 33331
Spring 2012 Schedule:
Friday, March 2nd - 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday, March 3rd - 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday, March 4th - 9:00AM - 4:00PM
also the following weekend...
Friday, March 9th - 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday, March 10th - 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday, March 11th - 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Contact List:
Nursery Office #: (954) 434-7681
Nursery Fax #: (954) 680-2750
Nursery Website:
www.rainforestcollection.com
Nursery Email:
Searlebrothersnursery@yahoo.com
Jeff Searle #: (954) 658-4317 Email:
palms@rainforestcollection.com Private Message: PM Jeff Searle
Ryan (Palmarum) Email:
rdgpalm@bellsouth.net
Directions:
This is a general street map of western Broward County, Florida showing the location of the nursery (Palm tree symbol). Using Sheridan Street would be the best option to get to the nursery if you are heading west through the county. If you are taking the Florida Turnpike, use the Griffin Road exit from the north, or the Pines Blvd. exit from the south. If you need any additional directions, please contact the nursery, Jeff or I (Ryan). When you get close to the nursery, look for large power lines as they run east and west above the nursery. Parking is along the shoulder of 172nd Avenue in front of, and down the street from, the nursery entrance. If you intend to arrive early before sunrise (and many usually do) be wary of hard-to-see speed bumps along 172nd Avenue and there is a possibility of a speed trap as well.