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Glossary

Peregrina - Jatropha integerrima

Family - Euphorbiaceae

Reaching a height of 15 feet  with an equal spread Peregrina can be grown as a single stemmed small tree or as a large, multiple stemmed shrub.

Also called Fire cracker or Jatropha, this native of Cuba flowers year-round, producing clusters of bright red, showy flowers that stand upright above the foliage.

Jatropha makes an excellent accent plant for South Florida shrubbery borders, patio container plant or in the garden. The flowers attract butterflies, making this low maintenance shrub a popular plant for butterfly gardens.

U.S.D.A. Zones 10B - 11, frost or light freeze will kill it back to the ground, full sun is best for flower production, will take partial shade.

Moderately tolerant of salt air and drought, Peregrina grows well in most soil types as long as it is well drained. Overwatering can cause root rot. No major pests or diseases.

Leaves are up to 7 inches long & variable in shape, they may be elliptic, oval, fiddle shaped or lobed.

1 inch wide flowers are deep red, there is also a variety with pink flowers.

As a member of the Euphorbia family all parts of this plant are toxic if ingested. Milky sap may cause skin irritation and rashes from contact. Seeds are toxic. Smoke from burning plant is toxic.

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