Status:
valid
Authors:
(Müll.Arg.) B.W.van Ee
Source:
wcs
Year:
2011
Citation Micro:
Willdenowia 41: 17 (2011)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000922514
Common Names
- Astraea jatropha
- Jatropha Astraea
- Jatropha-Leaf Astraea
Description
Astraea jatropha (also called Jatropha Star-coral, among many other common names) is a coral that grows up to 10 m tall. It is native to the Caribbean and grows in shallow, warm waters. It has a branching, star-shaped form and small, white flowers.
Uses & Benefits
Astraea jatropha is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a medicinal plant for treating skin diseases and wounds.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Astraea jatropha is a small, yellowish-brown spikelet, with a single floret. The seed is a small, dark brown grain. The seedlings are thin, with a single stem and two opposite leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Astraea jatropha can be propagated by seed or division. Seeds should be sown in a light, well-drained soil and kept moist until germination. Division should be done in early spring or late fall. The clumps should be divided into smaller sections and replanted in a light, well-drained soil.
Where to Find Astraea jatropha
Astraea jatropha can be found in the tropical forests of Central and South America.
Species in the Astraea genus
Astraea klotzschii,
Astraea manihot,
Astraea paulina,
Astraea lobata,
Astraea praetervisa,
Astraea cincta,
Astraea comosa,
Astraea jatropha,
Astraea digitata,
Astraea macroura,
Astraea subcomosa,
Astraea gracilis,
Species in the Euphorbiaceae family
Acalypha peckoltii,
Acalypha peduncularis,
Acalypha pendula,
Acalypha perrieri,
Acalypha persimilis,
Acalypha peruviana,
Acalypha pervilleana,
Acalypha phleoides,
Acalypha phyllonomifolia,
Acalypha pilosa,
Acalypha pippenii,
Acalypha pittieri,
Acalypha platyphylla,
Acalypha pleiogyne,
Acalypha plicata,
Acalypha pohliana,
Acalypha poiretii,
Acalypha polymorpha,
Acalypha polystachya,
Acalypha portoricensis,
Acalypha pruinosa,
Acalypha pruriens,
Acalypha pseudalopecuroides,
Acalypha pseudovagans,
Acalypha psilostachya,
Acalypha pubiflora,
Acalypha pulchrespicata,
Acalypha punctata,
Acalypha purpurascens,
Acalypha purpusii,
Acalypha pycnantha,
Acalypha pygmaea,
Acalypha radians,
Acalypha radicans,
Acalypha radinostachya,
Acalypha radula,
Acalypha radula,
Acalypha rafaelensis,
Acalypha raivavensis,
Acalypha rapensis,
Acalypha reflexa,
Acalypha repanda,
Acalypha retifera,
Acalypha rhombifolia,
Acalypha rhomboidea,
Acalypha richardiana,
Acalypha riedeliana,
Acalypha rivularis,
Acalypha rottleroides,
Acalypha rubrinervis,