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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurges) |
| Origin: Cuba (North America) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Red |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Synonyms: [J. hastata, J. pandurifolia] |
| Height: 4-8 feet |
| Width: 6-8 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
| May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes |
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Jatropha integerrima (Peregrina) - This dense rounded evergreen shrub grows from 3 to 10 feet tall and to almost tree-like proportions with age in frost-free climates. The 3 to 6 inch long by 2 inch wide leaves, green and velvety on upper surface and flecked with purple below, have sharp points on the lobes and are held on long leaf stems. 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. It 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. 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. Water regularly in late spring and summer. 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. Attractive to butterflies. This plant is native to Cuba, the West Indies and South America. Other common names include Spicy Jatropha, Chaya, Firecracker and Firecracker Jatroph. 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.
The information on this page is based on our library and online research as well as observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We have also incorporated comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information, in particular if this information is contrary to what we have written or includes additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Jatropha integerrima.
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