Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Euphorbiaceae

Genus:

Jatropha

Species:

Jatropha podagrica

USDA Symbol:

JAPO

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

90 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

red, orange

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

butterflies, hummingbirds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

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 rocky, arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions (70-85°F). Fresh seed germinates best; viability decreases with age.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI