Coralbush (Jatropha multifida), packet of 3 seeds

Family:  Spurge (Euphorbiaceae)

Hardy to Zones 10 to 12, otherwise profitably grown as a potted plant, protected from frost.

(Coral Bush)

Evergreen perennial shrub to small tree flowering coral red to 10 feet, native to the seasonally dry tropical biome of Mexico and the Caribbean. Does excellently in a heated sunroom or greenhouse.   I first encountered this plant in Zanzibar, where it has freely naturalized.  The upright flower clusters and humanoid trunk drew me in.  The first photo is of the tree in Zanzibar, the second photo is of a flowering plant from my greenhouse here in the states.  A local showed me how any wounding of the branches or trunk will produce immediately tears of clear latex.  They truly pour forth.  Traditional use (TWM):  Latex applied to wounds, infections, ulcerations and skin conditions.  The activity is antiseptic and wound healing.  Encourages formation of granulation tissue.  Used to treat eczema. External use only.  Plant prefers full sun to part shade, high temperatures, little water and very fast-draining (sandy or gravelly) soils.  Germination of these hazelnut-sized seeds has been confirmed by us. Soak seeds overnight in warm water.  Do not be alarmed when the seeds float.   Come morning, plant in very fast-draining mix, watering sparingly and keeping very warm until germination, which takes 3 weeks.  In frost-free zones, space trees 10 feet apart.

3 seeds per packet, Open-pollinated, untreated, NO GMO’s