CHURAKALLI ( ചുരകള്ളി )

ENGLISH NAME : Coral plant

BOTANIC NAME : Jatropha multifida    
                                            
FAMILY: Euphorbiaceae             
                   
HABIT: 
A much branched small tree or shrub planted as a garden plant. Native to tropical America, but is now cultivated throughout the world. 

DESCRIPTION:  

         PLANT: Grows up to a height of 2 meters.

         LEAF: Dark green; alternate, simple, palmately cut into 9-11 deep narrow lobes. Large up to 30cm  across found in 10-25cm. long hairless petiole.

         FLOWER: Purplish-red inflorescences are seen in loose clusters in the axils of the leaves.

       FRUIT/SEED: Yellow in colour, oblong, 3 lobed.

PROPAGATION   : By seed.


MEDICINAL USES: 

 Folkloric: 
The root and seed oil is used against leprosy.
Oil is used as abortifacient.
The root is used as  antidote in snake bite.
Bark extract is used to regulate menstrual periods.
Leaves are used in stomach-ache, veneral diseases.
Latex is a potent antiseptic, applied on wound; leaf juice is applied on ulcers and carbuncles, eczema and in iches.
Studies:
Shoot extract shows antibiotic activity.


Foot note: 
Jatropha multifida plants contain several toxic compounds. 
Phytotoxin (toxalbumin) named “Curcin” is found in the seeds, fruits and sap.


LOCAL NAMES:
 Murikoodi (Variety) (Malayalam), 
Lal arenda ( Hindi),
Physic nut (English).