Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Euphorbiaceae

Genus:

Jatropha

Species:

Jatropha macrorhiza

USDA Symbol:

JAMA

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

90 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

pink, red, coral

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts readily from large tuberous root after fire or top damage.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to arid and semi-arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Scarification improves germination rates. Seeds benefit from warm temperatures around 70-85°F.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI