Common plant names are very colorful but often get in the way of understanding what you are talking about in the gardening world. Plants with the descriptive name “coral” for instance cast a wide net over several common landscape subjects. There is coral honeysuckle, and a plant called coral bells. There are also several other plants named “coral plant” including today’s horticultural topic – Jathropha multifida or simply coral plant. The coral plant is an interesting, but less common plant that warrants more attention and inclusion in the landscape.
The coral plant is a relative of the more popular Jatropha integerrima which has similar bright red flowers but displays a more standard large shrub/small tree form. Jathropha multifida can be described as having a multi-stemmed, almost surrealist shape with most of the highly dissected, compound leaves developing near the end of each branch – some growing up to thirty inches long. The unique coral-pinkish-red flowers form in flat-topped clusters at the end of each branch and do in fact resemble small marine coral-like branches – especially the unopened buds. Each bud opens to reveal the beautiful flowers highlighted by bright, yellow anthers. Pollinated flowers then form large green seed pods changing to yellow in color when mature.
Jathropha multifida can grow up to ten feet tall but can be pruned to the size you want. Keep in mind that the coral plant is a member of Euphorbiaceae family which typically produces milky, irritating sap, so handle carefully as all plant parts are toxic. Growing best in full sun to light shade, install coral plants in well-drained soil as found in its native range. Use this plant in the landscape as an interesting specimen, in back borders, or even in a large container. Additional specimens can easily be propagated using seeds or cuttings.
Where do you find a coral plant? I do not think that I have ever seen one at a box store garden center before. Coral plants tend to be a passalong plant shared by friends or neighbors over the years. You will almost always find a couple of coral plants at garden club plant sales or online. Their unique shape, color and form help coral plants sell themselves.
While some Jatropha species are invasive in Florida, the good news is that – according to the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants – the coral plant is not a problem species.
Collecting a plant “zoo” – one plant at a time – is just part of being a Florida gardener. The coral plant is a good candidate for a stunning landscape and as a conversation piece suitable to add to your garden “reef”. For more information on all types of flowering shrubs suitable for our area, or to ask a question, you can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov. Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco.
Resources:
UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas. (2025). The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions. (2025) Jatropha. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
Missouri Botanical Garden (2025) Jatropha multifida. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280111.
Wikipedia (2025) Jatropha multifida. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jatropha_multifida.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates. (2010) Name That Plant IV ANSWER: Coral Plant. https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/name-that-plant-iv-answer-coral-plant/.
Grant, A. (2019) Funky Florida Flora – Coral Plant. https://theshrubqueen.com/2019/05/10/funky-florida-flora-coral-plant/.
Gilman, E. F., Watson, D. G., Klein, R. W., Koeser, A. K., Hilbert, D. R. & Drew C. McLean (2018) Jatropha integerrima: Peregrina. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
The Florida Gardener (2020) JATROPHA MULTIFIDA. https://www.floridagardener.com/jatropha-multifida/ .
Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve (2024) Jatropha multifida. https://levypreserve.org/plant-listings/jatropha-multifida/.
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