Jatropha
multifida
Coral
Plant
Coral plant is a fast
growing evergreen shrub or small tree with a single
trunk, a loose, spreading crown and a typical height in
cultivation of 6-10'. The distinctive 7 to 15 lobed,
finely divided leaves grow up to 12" wide and are
reminiscent of Cannabis sativa leaves. They are dark
green above and lighter beneath. The flowers are
reminiscent of Precious coral or red coral and borne in
flat-topped clusters on long stalks held above the
foliage. Coral plant blooms on and off all year long,
especially during hot weather.
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Finely divided leaves of Jatropha multifida add interest to the garden.
Click image to enlarge. |
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Inflorescences of Jatropha multifida
are reminiscent of Precious coral.
Click image to enlarge. |
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Coral Plant's lacy
foliage and exotic flowers make it a great
specimen or accent plant.
Click image to enlarge. |
Plant
Facts:
Common Name:
Coral Plant
Botanical Name:
Jatropha multifida
Family:
Euphorbiaceae
Plant Type: Evergreen
shrub or small tree
Origin:
Mexico, Brazil, West Indies
Zones:
10-11 (min. 50 degrees F, leaf drop below 40 degrees F)
Height:
10 - 15', spreading to
12'
Rate of Growth:
Fast
Salt Tolerance:
Medium
Soil Requirements: Any
with good drainage
Water Requirements: Very
drought tolerant, additional watering not needed once established
Nutritional Requirements: Fertilize
twice yearly
Light Requirements: Full
sun
Form:
Semi-succulent shrub
Leaves: Dark
green,
finely divided-lobed, rounded to 12"
wide
Flowers:
Numerous long stalked small
red flowers on coral-like inflorescences
Fruits:
Yellow, round, nut-like
Pests or diseases:
Aphids, mealy bugs,
scale, rust and fungal leaf spot
Uses: Specimen,
accent, container
plant. Flowers attractive to
butterflies such as Zebra Longwing, Monarch, Gulf
Fritillary and others.
Bad Habits:
May be noxious or invasive, seeds sprout readily. Dropped leaves and
fruit stain concrete. Milky sap stains clothes. Seeds are poisonous.
Cost: $$ -- reasonable
Propagation:
Seeds or
cuttings
Sources: ORNAMENTAL
TROPICAL SHRUBS,
AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY A-Z ENCYCLOPEDIA OF GARDEN PLANTS
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