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Jatropha Shrub - any info?

14 years ago

Does anyone have any advice on these? I read they are very toxic and produce large seeds. I purchased what I think is a beautiful little shrub but nobody had any idea what it was at the nursery. I now think it is a Jatropha ( thanks to help from posters here ) and Im wondering if this isn't a good plant for South Texas ( Houston area )

Would it be tolerant to the winter?

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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
14 years ago
It is Jatropha integerrima, commonly known as peregrina. It is related to euphorbias and presents similar toxic properties - it exudes a milky sap that can be caustic and a skin irritant. And the seeds can be toxic as well, however roasting them appears to reduce/eliminate the toxicity. It is not going to be hardy below zone 10 - if you can grow poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) successfully outdoors, you should be able to grow peregrina as well.
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