Plant of the Month

Red Jatropha Jatropha interrima

I often think we become jaded by the flower displays in Florida. We forget how lucky we are compared to our northern neighbors. Jatropha, or perigrina is one of our most dependable bloomers in the small tree or large shrub category. It blooms reliably every day of the year. This plant has red flowers that appear at the end of every branch. Blooms are not large, but they make a decent permanent scattering of flowers over the entire plant.

The standard species plant is very open-growing and is good for a landscape where a small see-through tree is needed. This see-through characteristic is an excellent quality if you are designing a landscape with security in mind. The 'Compacta' form is much tighter in growth habit and tops out in the 8 to 10 foot range. Most people will opt for the compact form.

Jatropha is relatively free of pests, but attacks by scale, mealybug and leaf miner are not unknown. Damage is usually temporary, and new leaf growth quickly follows. This plant is a must as a butterfly attractant and usually has many types flocking around. Hummingbirds are winter visitors.

I suspect we may see more color forms of perigrina as time goes on. I have seen a pink form at some of the collector nurseries, but it is very hard to find.

• Origin — Cuba
• Foliage — Variable dark green leaves, some lobed and others oval and pointed
• Growth rate — Medium
• Nutritional requirements — Low
• Soil requirements — Wide
• Salt tolerance — Medium
• Drought tolerance — High
• Light requirements — High
• Propagation — Seed, Cuttings
• Environmental problems — None
  

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