Coralplant (Jatropha multifida, Sp. Pl.: 1006 (1753))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1006 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Jatropha

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico, Caribbean

Description

The Coralplant, scientifically named Jatropha multifida, is an exquisitely unique and attractive member of the Euphorbiaceae family. First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in the seminal publication “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this species has long captured the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Native to the vibrant and diverse ecosystems of Mexico and the Caribbean, the Coralplant thrives in these regions’ warm climates and well-drained soils. Its natural habitat spans coastal areas and tropical regions, where it often stands out due to its distinctive appearance.

The Coralplant is distinguished by its striking, lobed foliage which can resemble the spread of delicate fingers, hence earning it the nickname “Coralplant” due to the visual likeness to coral formations. Its leaves, deeply incised and palmate, can reach up to 30 cm in length, creating a lush and exotic display.

Equally captivating are its inflorescences, which present clusters of tiny, vivid red to orange flowers. These blossoms not only add a splash of color to the plant’s aesthetic appeal but also attract pollinators, contributing to the ecological health of its surroundings.

In cultivation, the Coralplant is cherished for its ornamental value. It can be grown in gardens, parks, and as a houseplant in non-tropical regions provided it receives adequate sunlight and warmth. Its maintenance is relatively straightforward, requiring regular watering but being cautious not to overwater, as it prefers dryness over excessive moisture. Moreover, it can be selectively pruned to maintain desired shape and size, allowing for versatile landscaping uses.

As with many members of the Euphorbiaceae family, caution should be taken as the plant’s sap can be irritating to the skin and toxic if ingested. Proper handling, including wearing gloves and keeping it out of reach of pets and children, is advisable.

The Coralplant stands as a testament to nature’s ability to blend form and function so elegantly, offering both aesthetic pleasure and ecological benefits. Its rich botanical history and its role in native habitats underscore the importance of conservation efforts to preserve such incredible species for future generations to appreciate and study.

Common Names

Eng: coralbush, french physicnut, spanish physicnut, st. vincent physicnut, coralplant, coral plant
Deu: korallen-purgiernuß
Swe: flikjatrofa
Por: flor-de-coral
En: Coralplant, French physicnut, Spanish physicnut, St. Vincent physicnut, Coralbush, Coral Plant, Coral Bush, Coral Tree, Coral-bush
Fr: Noisette purgative, Arbre corail
De: Korallen-Purgiernuß
Pt: Flor-de-coral
Es: ManÁ
Sv: Flikjatrofa

Synonyms

• Manihot multifida ((L.) Crantz)
• Adenoropium multifidum ((L.) Pohl)

Distribution

• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Southwest Caribbean (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Angola (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Brazil North (introduced)
• Brazil Northeast (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Cambodia (introduced)
• Cape Verde (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• Cayman Is. (introduced)
• Central African Repu (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Comoros (introduced)
• East Himalaya (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Gambia (introduced)
• Guinea (introduced)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Nicobar Is. (introduced)
• Paraguay (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Samoa (introduced)
• Sumatera (introduced)
• Togo (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
• Zaïre (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Mar 5, 2022 by JP Corrêa Carvalho (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2019 by Jary Medina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2020 by Daniel SXM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 3, 2019 by Meddy Gunawan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2019 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 7, 2022 by Elione Oliveira (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Sune Holt (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 21, 2019 by louwaters (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2019 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 3, 2019 by Meddy Gunawan (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Mar 17, 2021 by Schmidt Fernando da Luz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 9, 2013 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 3, 2019 by Meddy Gunawan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 11, 2021 by Hugo Xavier Brito (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 11, 2021 by Hugo Xavier Brito (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 29, 2021 by Reuben Pereira (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2021 by García Johny (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2021 by Valero Omar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2019 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 10, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2021 by Philippe Saadoun (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 14, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 9, 2013 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 31, 2021 by a Angie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Landing DIBA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 9, 2013 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3072985)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:314308-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Jatropha multifida L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth