And Now for Something Completely Different – Coral Plant

This could be considered a novelty plant. It is another one of my favorites for attracting butterflies. It occurred to me this morning there are not too many plants that would work in this narrow space in my garden (about 18″ wide and surrounded by blank walls in full sun). A very funky plant, Jatropha  multifida, called the Coral Plant fits the bill. I thought initially the name was based on the color of the flower, but then realized the flower does resemble an actual coral.

The foliage on this plant resembles something else. Cannabis. However, all Jatropha is poisonous, so resist the urge to smoke it and keep it away from children and pets.

The Jatrophas are interesting plants, tropical – this one is native to Mexico. They do best in South Florida or where temperatures stay above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Common to members of the Euphorbia family, they exude toxic, milky sap and can become a nuisance by tending to produce a lot of seeds. However, the seeds contain oils that have been proposed for use to make sustainable biodiesel fuel. They just haven’t quite figured out how yet.  Click for the Biodiesel story.

Despite the fact this plant is widely reported to love sharp drainage, full sun and noted for its extreme drought tolerance – it suffered in such a place in my pollinator garden and is much happier in its new skinnier digs with protection from the western sun. Butterflies continue to enjoy the flowers and I will as well now that the Coral Plant is in a happier place.

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