The Jatropha podagrica, commonly known as the Buddha Belly Plant or Coral Plant, is a fascinating tropical species native to Central and South America. This ornamental plant, well-suited to warm climates, immediately draws attention with its distinctive appearance. Its swollen, bottle-like trunk serves as a water reservoir, making it an excellent choice for dry environments or low-maintenance gardens. The large, bright green lobed leaves create a striking contrast against its vivid coral-red flowers, which often bloom for much of the year. This plant captivates not only with its beauty but also with its resilience, thriving in challenging conditions.
At the Au Bois Vert botanical garden near Ivato, this remarkable plant plays a key decorative role while sparking the curiosity of botany enthusiasts. The Coral Plant is more than just a visual delight – its nectar-rich flowers attract numerous pollinators, particularly butterflies and bees, making it a valuable addition to any garden that promotes biodiversity. Guests at the lodge hotel can enjoy an immersive experience, where every plant tells its own unique story of tropical nature.
The Jatropha podagrica, or Coral Plant, thrives in well-drained soil and a sunny location, reflecting its tropical origins. Thanks to its succulent-like adaptations, it is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. However, it is important to note that all parts of this plant contain toxic compounds and should be handled with care, especially in areas frequented by children or pets.
Plant use
Although primarily grown for ornamental purposes, Jatropha podagrica also has some intriguing applications. Its distinctive appearance makes it a popular houseplant, perfect for bright spaces such as terraces, balconies, or the entrance halls of restaurants and tropical lodges like those at Au Bois Vert near Antananarivo. Visitors to the botanical garden can take inspiration from this plant to create minimalist and aesthetically pleasing green spaces at home. In traditional medicine, some communities use the leaves and latex of the plant for therapeutic purposes, though great caution is required due to its toxicity. The latex is sometimes applied to wounds for its antiseptic properties, while the seeds, despite being highly toxic, have been used in experimental treatments. However, due to the potential risks, these applications should be avoided without strict medical supervision. In horticulture, Jatropha podagrica is often used to create colourful flower beds or to enhance rock gardens. In a botanical garden setting like Au Bois Vert, this plant plays an educational role, raising awareness of the diversity and adaptability of tropical species. Its prolonged flowering period also makes it a valuable resource for beekeepers and those looking to attract pollinators to their gardens.
Key information
| Common name | Coral Plant |
| Scientific name | Jatropha podagrica |
| Origin | Central and South America |
| Natural habitat | Tropical and subtropical regions |
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Flowering period | All year round, with a peak in summer |
