Scientific Name
Jatropha cathartica Terán & Berland.
Common Names
Berlander's Nettlespurg
Synonyms
Adenoropium berlandieri, Jatropha berlandieri
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Crotonoideae
Tribe: Jatropheae
Genus: Jatropha
Description
Jatropha cathartica is an attractive plant that produces a fat base, short branches and attractive blue-green deeply lobed leaves. The caudex is globose, pastel-white, textured, up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall, and up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. Stems are usually about 4 inches (10 cm) long. Leaves are palm-shaped, up to 12 inches (30 cm) long, and have up to 7 inches (17.5 cm) long petioles. Throughout the growing season, clusters of pink flowers rise above the foliage. Seed capsules are large and attractive, with greenish skin and white stripes around each segment.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
The key to growing successful Jatropha is to achieve the proper balance between moisture and drainage. They typically appreciate a steady water supply, but the most popular species cannot tolerate being submerged or soaked and quickly succumbing to root rot. Many of the popular Jatropha species make excellent small trees for a conservatory or sunny corner. Keep them well pruned so they don't outgrow their space too soon. Jatropha plants are vulnerable to pests, including aphids, mealy bugs, scale, and whitefly. If possible, identify the infestation as early as possible and treat it with the leave toxic option.
Jatropha can be propagated by seed (if you're fortunate enough to get sides) or by stem cuttings. To take stem cuttings, remove a small piece of stem, dip it in rooting hormone, then put into a small pot with seedling starter soil. Place in a warm, bright place and wait for new growth to emerge.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Jatropha.
Origin
Native to Texas in the United States and Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas in northeastern Mexico.
Links
- Back to genus Jatropha
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
