Scientific Name
Jatropha podagrica 'Yellow Flowers'
Common Name(s)
Yellow Jatropha
Synonyms
Jatropha podagrica 'Tanzania'
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Crotonoideae
Tribe: Jatropheae
Genus: Jatropha
Description
Jatropha podagrica 'Yellow Flowers' is an outstanding succulent shrub with an erect, woody stem swollen at the base or lower part and shield-shaped, gray-green leaves on long petioles. It grows up to 8.2 feet (2.5 m) tall. The bark of the stem peels in papery sheets and is covered with persistent, hardened, outwardly spinose stipules. The leaves are 3- to 5-lobate, up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and 4.4 inches (11 cm) wide. They are attached to the stem by an up to 8 inches (20 cm) long petiole.
Clusters of small yellow male and female flowers appear in dense clusters above the leaves on long slender stalks almost all year round.
Origin
Jatropha podagrica 'Yellow Flowers' is a cultivar of Jatropha podagrica with yellow flowers instead of bright red in the normal form.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 45 °F (+7.2 °C).
How to Grow and Care
The key to growing successful Jatropha is to balance moisture and drainage properly. They typically appreciate a steady water supply, but the most popular species cannot tolerate being submerged or soaked and will quickly succumb to root rot. Many popular species make excellent small trees for a conservatory or sunny corner. Keep them well-pruned so they don't outgrow their space too soon. Jatrophas are vulnerable to pests, including aphids, mealy bugs, scale, and whitefly. Identify the infestation as early as possible and treat it with the leave toxic option.
Jatropha can be propagated by seed or by stem cuttings. To take stem cuttings, remove a small piece of stem, dip it in the rooting hormone, and then pot it into a small pot with seedling starter soil. Place in a warm, bright place and wait for new growth to emerge.
Repot Jatropha annually at the beginning of the growing season. Many species are naturally small shrubs, ranging up to 15 feet (4.5 m) in height. To keep your indoor container plant manageable, trim it to size and possibly root prune older plants. Much larger plants should be refreshed occasionally by removing the top several inches of potting soil and replacing it with fresh soil.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Jatropha.
Links
- Back to genus Jatropha
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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