I am a succulent shrub or small tree with a thick, water-storing stem and branches.

My most distinctive feature is my clusters of small, coral-red to pink flowers that bloom throughout the warm months, attracting butterflies.

I have large, lobed, green to gray-green leaves that can be quite ornamental.

All parts of me contain a milky, sticky sap that is released when I am cut or bruised.

I am native to the tropical Americas but have become naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

I am an extreme drought champion. When in doubt, underwater me!

I store water in my stems, so I only need a deep watering every 2-3 weeks once established.

Newly planted shrubs need more frequent watering until their roots develop.

I am highly susceptible to root rot from overwatering. Excellent drainage is non-negotiable.

I am a full sun devotee!

I need at least 6-8 hours of direct, blazing sun daily to grow compact and flower well.

I will become leggy and weak in the shade.

I thrive in hot, arid to semi-arid climates and am suited to USDA zones 10-12.

I love temperatures between 20°C and 35°C.

I am very sensitive to frost and cannot tolerate freezing temperatures.

Choose the sunniest, hottest spot in your garden with excellent drainage. Sandy or rocky soil is perfect.

I am ideal for xeriscapes, rock gardens, and as a low-maintenance hedge or specimen plant.

Always wear gloves when handling or pruning me, as my sap can cause skin irritation.

Due to my toxicity, I am excellent for creating a protective, "living fence" to keep out livestock.

I am an extremely light feeder and thrive in poor soils.

Feeding me once a year in spring with a handful of compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer is more than enough.

Over-fertilizing will do more harm than good.

Scientific Name: Jatropha integerrima (ornamental) / Jatropha curcas (for biofuel)

Common Names: Peregrina, Spicy Jatropha, Physic Nut (J. curcas)

Plant Family: Euphorbiaceae

Plant Type: Succulent shrub or small tree

HIGHLY TOXIC to humans and all animals. All parts of me, especially the seeds, are poisonous if ingested. The sap is a strong skin irritant. Plant me only where children and pets cannot access me.

While I am grown primarily for my ornamental value or biofuel potential, I do contribute to cleaner air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

Extremely low water and maintenance requirements.

Provides long-lasting, colorful flowers that attract pollinators.

Jatropha curcas seeds are processed to produce biofuel, offering a sustainable energy source.

Can be used to reclaim degraded lands and prevent soil erosion.

Root Rot - The #1 killer, caused by overwatering.

Mealybugs & Scale - Can infest stems and leaves.

Leaf Spot - Fungal issues in humid conditions.

Cold Damage - Will blacken and kill leaves and stems in frost.

Skin Irritation - Always handle me with care due to my sap.

I am a relatively long-lived and robust shrub! With minimal care in the right climate, I can thrive for 20-30 years or more. I grow quickly when young and will steadily provide my unique, drought-tolerant beauty year after year. I am a plant that asks for little but can give much in return, from a splash of color to a promise of sustainable energy.