Family: Euphorbiaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Jatropha multifida, commonly known as coralplant, is native to tropical regions of Central and South America. It is a striking ornamental shrub or small tree valued for its deeply divided, lacy leaves and bright red, coral-like flower clusters. The plant is often used in tropical landscaping and gardens for its bold, exotic appearance and ability to attract pollinators. Coralplant is relatively drought-tolerant once established and is sometimes planted as a decorative hedge or accent plant in warm climates, including Hawaiʻi, where it has become naturalized.

Risks & Threats
In Hawaiʻi, coralplant is naturalized and possesses traits that raise concern for invasive potential. It can spread beyond cultivation, forming dense stands that may compete with native vegetation for light, space, and resources. Like other Jatropha species, it produces toxic sap and seeds, which can pose risks to people, pets, and wildlife. Its ability to establish in disturbed areas and potentially expand into natural ecosystems means it could detrimentally impact tropical island environments. Because of these concerns, it is recommended to avoid planting coralplant and instead choose low-risk or native alternatives for landscaping.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized beyond native range (southern U.S. and throughout tropics)
  
• Can self-seed and become invasive (gardens, roadsides)
  
• Congeneric weeds (J. gossypifolia, J. curcas) are invasive
  
• Toxic to animals (causes gastroenteritis, organ damage)
  
• Host for crop pests/pathogens (African cassava mosaic virus)
  
• Toxic to humans (symptoms: vomiting, abdominal pain, shock)
  
• Tolerates wide range of soil conditions (poor, dry, rocky)
  
• Reproduces by seed (viable, self-sows)
  
• Propagules dispersed unintentionally (along roadsides)
  
• Propagules dispersed intentionally by people (ornamental, hedge plant)

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• No evidence as agricultural, forestry, or environmental weed
  
• No adaptation for wind, bird, animal external, or gut dispersal
  
• Vegetative fragmentation not a primary mode (reproduces by seed or cuttings)