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Jatropha integerrima (Peregrina) – A dense rounded evergreen shrub or small tree that typically grows 3 to 10 feet tall but can reach to near small tree-like proportions with age in frost-free climates. The 3 to 6 inch long by 2-inch-wide leaves, held on long leafy stems, are green and velvety on upper surface and flecked with purple below with sharp points on the lobes. The 1 inch wide five-petaled deep red flowers with yellow stamens are held in branched clusters on 4-inch-long stalks at the branch tips in late spring and summer - the inflorescence continues to branch and flower for an extended period.
This plant performs best in full sun in frost-free locations, but will grow in light shade and go semi-deciduous in colder locations. It is noted as having a good level of tolerance to saline conditions and a wide range of soil pH tolerance so long as the soils are well drained. Water regularly in late spring and summer. The stems are hardy to 25 to 28° F and it can rebound from the base from temperatures that go lower and potted plants can be put in shelter over winter to rebound rapidly when placed outside in spring. A great large shrub or screening plant in near frost-free areas of southern California and can be used as a summer annual or patio container plant in colder locations and it is attractive to butterflies.
Jatropha integerrima is native to Cuba, the West Indies and South America. The genus name is derived from the Greek words 'iatros' which means "physician" and 'trophe' meaning "nutrition" as some members of the genus may have been used in medicine but as with many members of Euphorbiaceae, Jatropha contains compounds that are highly toxic. This species was first described in 1760 by Austrian botanist Nikolaus Joseph Jacquin (1727 - 1817) who botanized numerous Caribbean islands during a 4-year expedition beginning in 1755. The specific epithet comes from the Latin words 'integer' meaning "entire", "unbroken" or "untoothed" and 'rimus', the superlative suffix meaning "mostly so" or to the "greatest degree" in reference to this species having few lobed or toothed leaves as many Jatropha do have. Other common names include Spicy Jatropha, Chaya, Firecracker and Firecracker Jatroph. We have grown this interesting and attractive plant since 1995.
This information about Jatropha integerrima displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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