Jatropha integerrima, commonly known as Peregrina, Spicy Jatropha, or Firecracker, is a flowering shrub belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is native to the West Indies and tropical regions of the Americas. Peregrina is widely grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes, appreciated for its attractive flowers and low-maintenance characteristics.
Landscape Use:
Jatropha integerrima is commonly used for ornamental purposes in gardens, parks, and landscapes, thanks to its beautiful flowers and low-maintenance nature.
It works well as a focal point in a garden bed, as a flowering hedge, or as a container plant.
Peregrina’s striking flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens.
Caution: It’s important to note that while Jatropha integerrima is an attractive plant, all parts of the plant, including the seeds, are toxic if ingested. Therefore, caution should be exercised, especially in households with pets or small children.
Overall, Jatropha integerrima, or Peregrina, is a lovely and visually appealing shrub that can add a splash of color and charm to any garden or landscape. Its stunning flowers, along with its low-maintenance requirements, make it a favored choice for those seeking an easy-to-care-for and striking ornamental plant.
Here’s a general description of Jatropha integerrima:
Plant Characteristics:
Size: Jatropha integerrima is a medium-sized shrub that can grow up to 6 to 12 feet (1.8 to 3.6 meters) in height and spread, depending on the growing conditions and pruning.
Leaves: The leaves of Peregrina are dark green, glossy, and leathery. They are simple and arranged alternately along the stems.
Flowers: The most striking feature of Jatropha integerrima is its vibrant and showy flowers. The flowers are small and star-shaped, with five bright red or pink petals surrounding a cluster of prominent stamens. The blooms appear in dense terminal clusters, creating a stunning display throughout the warm months.
Growth Habit: Peregrina has an upright, bushy growth habit, with multiple stems arising from the base of the plant. When adequately pruned, it can be trained into a small tree form.
Cultural Requirements:
Sunlight: Jatropha integerrima thrives in full sunlight. It requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day to produce abundant flowers.
Temperature: This shrub prefers warm temperatures and is not tolerant of frost. It is best suited for tropical and subtropical climates.
Soil: Peregrina prefers well-draining soil with good fertility. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils.
Watering: Regular watering is necessary to establish the plant and encourage blooming. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant and can handle some dryness, but it performs best with consistent moisture.
Pruning: Pruning is recommended to maintain the desired shape and size of the shrub. It is best to prune Peregrina after flowering to encourage new growth and flower production.
