Plants and mushrooms

Coral plant

Common name		Coral plant
Botanical name		Jatropha multifida
Other common names		Physic nut
Family		Euphorbiaceae
General description		An ornamental shrub to 2m high.
Flowers		The flowers are very small and bright red, grouped in clusters at the end of long stout branches. Flowers in mid-summer.
Leaves		The leaves are 10 to 20cm wide and deeply divided into 9 to 11 narrow segments or lobes. These lobes taper into long points and can have a smooth or toothed margin. The leaves are on long stalks.
Fruit/Berries		The fruit are yellow, 3-angled, about 2.5cm long and usually contain three seeds.
Other		The copious sap is either milky or clear. Contact with the sap can cause dermatitis.
Symptoms		The fruits, which have a sweet and pleasant taste, are poisonous. If eaten, symptoms can include vomiting and diarrhoea, cramps, numbness and paralysis in the legs and arms. As well as these symptoms, there may be effects similar to those caused by the drug atropine – diminished sweating, dry skin and mouth, slight dilation of the pupils, slight increase in heartbeat and flushed face. If the leaves or sap are ingested, they will also produce similar symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea, although not as severe.
Toxicity category		2, 3
Warning		For all ingestions seek urgent medical assistance.