Jatropha Integerrima: Uses, plant benefits, and care tips

Jatropha integerrima is native to India and other tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia. It is also known as Peregrina, Spicy Jatropha and Fiddle-Leaved Jatropha. The plant can grow up to 12 feet tall with a round crown, but it is most commonly seen growing to about 5 metres (16 feet). Jatropha integerrima has large leaves and yellow flowers that bloom from late summer until early spring. The tree produces pods containing multiple seeds that ants distribute.

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Jatropha integerrima is found throughout tropical regions around the world. Its uses include biofuel production, softwood lumber production, animal fodder (it has been used as food for elephants), and ornamental purposes (such as hedges). The plant’s seeds are rich in protein and oil content, which makes them an excellent source of dietary fibre.

See also: 21 best flowers for your garden

What is Jatropha Integerrima?

Jatropha Integerrima is a flowering plant spurge (Euphorbiaceae) family. It occurs as an evergreen shrub or a small tree and characterised by shiny foliage and clusters of star-shaped flowers in varied colours such as red, vermilion or pink. The plant mainly grows in tropical areas in full or partial sunlight.

Jatropha integerrima: Quick facts

Botanical Name	Jatropha integerrima
Common Name	Peregrina
Genus	Jatropha
Family	Euphorbiaceae
Sub Family	Crotonoideae
Life Cycle	Perennial Shrub
Mature Size	Up to 4.6 m tall
Cultivation	Tropical regions

Jatropha integerrima: Description

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Jatropha integerrima is a small tree that grows up to 12 feet tall. The leaves are simple, alternate, and heart-shaped with sharp tips. The bark is grey-brown to black with tiny scales that peel off at the edges. The flowers are white and arranged in clusters of three to five on the terminal branches of the plant.

How to grow Jatropha integerrima in your garden?

If you are planning to grow Jatropha integerrima in your home garden, choose a well-drained soil. Make sure to keep the plant in an area exposed to full sun or partial shade to allow them to produce flowers. Frost and freezing conditions can damage the plant but they recover quickly. You can allow it grow naturally into a multi-trunked tree or with some pruning. The plant is grown from seeds.

How to grow the Jatropha integerrima plant from seeds

The seeds should be soaked for 24 to 30 hours. It is imperative to soak these seeds before planting because they have a thick, waxy coating that slows germination.
Mix equal amounts of sterile potting soil, sand, and well-composed manure in a 1-gallon pot. Place the pot in warm water and let it soak for a while to ensure that the soil is moist at the surface. After removing the pot from the water, let it drain for about an hour.
In the centre of the pot, plant a seed about two to three inches deep. Place the pot outside in a warm, well-lit, shaded location.
Keep the soil evenly moist at the depth at which you planted the seeds by watering frequently. During its first year, do not allow the plant to dry out. Once established, the plant will be drought-tolerant.
You should till a spot that drains well and is in the full or partial sun about 12 inches deep. The depth at which seedlings were placed in their growth container should be maintained when planting them.
In the first year, make sure the jatropha gets enough water to keep the soil evenly moist. Make sure it doesn’t dry out completely.
Throughout the growing season, apply one pound of well-composed manure to the plant three times. May, July, and September are the best times to do this.

How to maintain jatropha integerrima?

Jatropha integerrima are excellent shrubs that are drought tolerant and low maintenance. They tolerate pruning, which can help to shape the plant. Jatropha integerrima can be trained into a fabulous espalier, shrub, or single-trunked tree.

Initially, the seedling may need frequent watering, especially in the first year. However, as the plant grows, it develops tolerance to drought. Thus, watering must be done thrice a week. The amount of water may depend on the pot size.

Caring tips for Jatropha integerrima

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If you’d like to grow Jatropha integerrima, you’ll need to find a location that’s protected from strong winds and has fertile soil. The tree requires sunlight each day, so make sure that it gets plenty of sun exposure.

You should also make sure that your soil drains well. This will prevent any plants from rotting from root rot or other fungal infections. And finally, if possible, avoid planting Jatropha near nearby streams or bodies of water because the ground around these areas can become too wet for this particular species of tree.

Start with a good soil mix: high-quality organic soil is best for growing Jatropha plants.
Space your plants carefully: Jatropha plants will not grow quickly if you space them too closely together or allow them to touch each other when they’re young. You can use stakes or cages to help keep your plants from touching each other when they’re small.
Mulching is important: you need to mulch your seeds with composted leaves or straw so that they don’t dry out during the summer months when it gets hot outside. If you’re growing indoors, make sure there’s enough airflow.

Jatropha integerrima uses

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The Jatropha integerrima plant is used for many purposes, including energy crops and bioproducts. The seeds can be used as a source of oil or protein in cosmetics, food products and animal feed.

It has been widely planted as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and flowers resembling those of other species in the Euphorbia genus.

Maintenance tips for Jatropha Integerrima

Water the plant regularly to maintain moisture levels.
Make sure the soil has well drainage because waterlogging can damage the plant.
Maintain soil pH level from 6 to 8.
Pruning can be done around late winter. The process helps remove dead branches and promote blooming and healthy growth. Always use sharp and clean tools for pruning.
Trim the extra stems to augment the growth and achieve the desired plant appearance.
The plant must be grown in warm climate as it is frost intolerant. Usually, it can withstand temperatures of 4 to 10 deg. Celsius.
Fertilising the plant is essential and must be done three times a year, around summer, autumn and spring.
The plant shows high resistance to pests and diseases. However, it must be protected against common insects and pests such as mites, scales, and leaf miners.

FAQs

How long does a Jatropha shrub live?

Plants can grow up to 10 m tall and live up to 50 years.

Does Jatropha grow well in the shade?

Plants of the Jatropha genus require well-drained soil, and even though they will flower better in full sun, they will handle partial shade as well.

What is the recommended watering schedule for Jatropha?

The plant does not require much water, so you should water it once or twice a week. Overwatering can cause root rot.

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