Jatropha integerrima is a shrub or small tree that originates from Cuba and has been introduced globally to tropical and subtropical regions as an ornamental plant.

This article on Jatropha integerrima provides detailed information on Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, and Further Information.

Identity

Preferred Scientific Name

Jatropha integerrima Jacq.

Preferred Common Name

Peregrina.

Other Scientific Names

Adenoropium hastatum (Jacq.) Britton & P.Wilson.

Adenoropium integerrimum (Jacq.) Pohl.

Adenoropium pandurifolium (Andrews) Pohl.

Jatropha acuminata Desr.

Jatropha coccinea.

International Common Names

English: chaya, coral plant, firecracker jatropha, peregrine, physic nut, spicy jatropha.

Spanish: alelí, alhelí, flor roja, pasqualino, yuramira.

French: épicar, médicinier, médicinier-guitare.

Chinese: qin ye ying.

German: Korallenbaum.

Local Common Names

Cuba: belladona, coralillo, yuramira.

Haiti: médecinier d’Inde.

Japan: yatorofa integerima.

Micronesia: jatropha.

Summary of Invasiveness

Jatropha integerrima is a shrub or small tree native to Cuba and introduced globally as an ornamental species. While it has naturalized in certain areas, it is not considered an invasive species. It has minimal invasive potential in North America and a low invasion risk in Hawaii, USA.

Taxonomic Tree

Domain: Eukaryota.

Kingdom: Plantae .

Phylum: Spermatophyta.

Subphylum: Angiospermae .

Class: Dicotyledonae .

Order: Euphorbiales .

Family: Euphorbiaceae .

Genus: Jatropha .

Species: Jatropha integerrima .

Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature

The Euphorbiaceae family is one of the largest flowering plant families, encompassing about 300 genera and 7,500 species. Jatropha is considered the most primitive genus, showcasing extensive morphological diversity. Approximately two-thirds of Jatropha species are native to the Americas.

Dear Lykkers, the name Jatropha derives from the Greek words iatros (physician) and trophe (nutrition), reflecting its medicinal uses. The epithet integerrima refers to the mostly unlobed or untoothed leaves.

Plant Type

Broadleaved, Perennial, Seed Propagated, Shrub, Tree, Vegetatively Propagated .

Description

Jatropha integerrima is a shrub that grows up to 2.5–5 meters. It features dark brown, striate stems and glabrous, much-branched structures. Leaves are persistent, ranging from elliptic-ovate to panduriform in shape, with unlobed or shallowly lobed margins.

Flowers: Bright red to scarlet or pink.

Fruits: Capsules, ovoid, explosively dehiscent.

Seeds: Cream-colored with red and black spots, ellipsoidal in shape.

Distribution

Jatropha integerrima is native to Cuba and the Hispaniola region but is widely cultivated as an ornamental in North America, Central America, Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Habitat

The species thrives in sandy semi-arid areas, disturbed soils, limestone cliffs, and urban areas. It is drought-tolerant but not adapted to saline environments.

Biology and Ecology

Genetics

Germplasm collections are available, and the chromosome number is 2n = 22. Hybrids with high oil yield and pest resistance have been developed.

Reproductive Biology

Propagation occurs via seeds or cuttings, with cuttings being the preferred method in cultivation.

Physiology and Phenology

It flowers and fruits throughout the year and thrives in well-drained soils under partial to full sun.

Uses

Economic Value

Widely grown as an ornamental plant and available in nurseries worldwide.

Social Benefit

It is used in landscaping, planters, and as buffer strips in urban areas.

Environmental Services

Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, serving as a nectar source for species like Eumaeus atala in Florida, USA.