
coraltree
Macaranga grandifolia
Macaranga grandifolia is a species of flowering plant in the family Euphorbiaceae. Common names for this plant include nasturtium tree, parasol leaf tree and bingabing.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macaranga_grandifolia
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Malpighiales
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Genus
Macaranga
coraltree belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae, order Malpighiales, within the Magnoliopsida class.
Species Profile
Macaranga grandifolia is a species of flowering plant in the family Euphorbiaceae. Common names for this plant include nasturtium tree, parasol leaf tree and bingabing. It is endemic to the Philippines and has been widely cultivated in Hawaii as a tropical ornamental. This plant has become a very popular garden ornamental in many parts of the tropics for its extraordinarily grandiose leaves, which are rounded-ovate in shape, with prominent reddish veins, and the stem attached towards the center of the leaf blade. The flowers are pinkish red, and the males are held in coral-like, congested inflorescences. Twine made from the bark and the wood was used for fishing spears. The leaves were used to wrap food. Birds eat the ripe fruit.
Macaranga grandifolia faces significant pressure from deforestation and habitat conversion throughout its range in Southeast Asian tropical forests. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its dependence on primary and secondary forest ecosystems that are being rapidly cleared for agriculture, palm oil plantations, and urban development.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits tropical lowland and hill forests, including both primary and secondary forest formations, typically found at elevations from sea level to approximately 1,200 meters. It commonly occurs in forest edges, clearings, and disturbed forest areas where it can take advantage of increased light availability.
Threats
Agricultural expansion and plantation development
Deforestation and logging
Habitat fragmentation
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). coraltree (Macaranga grandifolia). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/coraltree