Care Disclaimer: Plant care recommendations are general guidelines based on common growing conditions. Individual results may vary based on your local environment, climate, and care routine. If your plant is toxic, keep it away from children and pets, and consult a veterinarian if accidental ingestion occurs.
1.Jatropha — Overview
Jatropha integerrima, commonly known as the Coral Plant or Peregrina, is an evergreen flowering shrub or small tree belonging to the extensive Euphorbiaceae family. Native to the Caribbean and tropical Americas, its natural habitat includes coastal areas, dry forests, and disturbed lands, indicating its resilience. This species typically attains a height of 2.5 to 4.5 meters, though mature specimens can reach up to 7.5 meters under optimal growing conditions. Its aesthetic appeal lies in its continuous, year-round production of vibrant star-shaped, coral-red flowers, borne in terminal cymes that form dense, eye-catching clusters.
The foliage consists of glossy, dark green leaves, ovate to oblong in shape, often featuring slightly lobed or wavy margins, which contribute to its lush appearance. The fruit develops as a small, three-lobed capsule, initially green, gradually maturing to a dark brown or black, and containing seeds. Taxonomically, Jatropha integerrima is part of a diverse genus known for its ornamental and ethnobotanical significance. Its adaptability to various soil types, including sandy and rocky substrates, and its notable drought tolerance make it a popular choice for xeriscaping and tropical landscaping.
Despite its ornamental value and traditional medicinal uses, it is crucial to recognize that all parts of the Jatropha plant contain toxic compounds, necessitating careful handling and strictly supervised application in any therapeutic context. The bark is typically gray and can become fissured with age, while the woody stems display a multi-branched growth habit, particularly when regularly pruned.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Jatropha integerrima:
Jatropha should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Jatropha — Key Features
- Striking coral — red, star-shaped flowers.
- Continuous blooming throughout — Continuous blooming throughout the year.
- Evergreen shrub or — Evergreen shrub or small tree.
- Native to the — Native to the Caribbean and tropical America.
- Drought — tolerant and adaptable.
- Attracts butterflies and — Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
- All plant parts — All plant parts are highly toxic.
- Popular ornamental landscaping — Popular ornamental landscaping plant.
- Glossy, dark green — Glossy, dark green foliage.
- Resilient and low — maintenance.
1.2.Jatropha — Quick Summary
- Jatropha integerrima is a toxic, ornamental plant.
- Known for vibrant coral-red flowers year-round.
- Traditional uses exist, but extreme caution is required.
- All parts are poisonous, particularly the seeds.
- Contains potent diterpenoids and phorbol esters.
- Primarily valued for landscaping due to resilience and beauty.
2.Jatropha — Scientific Identity
3.Jatropha — Categories & Tags
4.Jatropha — Appearance & Identification
5.Jatropha — Water Requirements
- Climate — Thrives in warm, tropical to subtropical climates; sensitive to frost.
- Sunlight — Requires full sun exposure for optimal flowering and growth.
- Soil — Adaptable to various soil types but prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
- Watering — Drought-tolerant once established; water regularly during dry periods, allowing soil to dry between waterings.
- Fertilization — Benefits from balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
- Pruning — Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and promote continuous blooming.
- Propagation — Easily propagated by seeds or stem cuttings.
- Pests & Diseases — Generally resistant, but monitor for common pests like spider mites or mealybugs.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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