Peregrina

Jatropha integerrima Jacq.

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Jatropha
Species: Jatropha integerrima

Common Names by Region

• Peregrina
• Spicy Jatropha
• Firecracker Flower
• Jungle Geranium (occasionally misapplied)
• West Indian Jatropha

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Description

Growth Form

An evergreen to semi-evergreen tropical shrub or small tree, typically 6–15 feet tall in landscape settings, though capable of greater height in frost-free climates. Growth habit is upright, loosely branched, and somewhat airy.

Leaves

Simple, glossy green leaves with smooth margins (the species name integerrima refers to “entire” leaf edges). Leaf shape varies from ovate to slightly lobed depending on cultivar and growing conditions.

Flowers

Clusters (cymes) of bright pink to coral-red flowers borne at branch tips nearly year-round in warm climates. Each flower has five rounded petals and prominent yellow stamens that arch upward, creating high visual contrast.

The attached photograph captures a fresh inflorescence with unopened buds beneath open blooms — a classic display stage where the plant shows both continuity and momentum.

Fruit

Produces small capsule fruits typical of Euphorbiaceae, though ornamental cultivars are primarily grown for flower production rather than fruit display.

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Known Range

Native Range: Cuba and the West Indies.

Cultivated Range:
Widely grown in subtropical and tropical regions, especially:

• South Florida
• Caribbean
• Southern Texas
• Central America
• Northern South America
• Tropical Asia

Hardy in USDA Zones 9b–11. Frost sensitive.

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Habitat

Prefers:

• Full sun to partial shade
• Well-drained soils
• Moderate moisture

Highly tolerant of heat, humidity, and coastal conditions. Performs well in sandy soils and urban landscapes.

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Care / Cultivation

• Light: Full sun promotes maximum bloom production.
• Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established.
• Soil: Well-draining; tolerates poor soils but responds to balanced fertility.
• Pruning: Responds well to shaping. Regular pruning encourages denser growth and more flowering tips.
• Cold Sensitivity: Damaged by frost; may defoliate in brief cold snaps but often recovers if roots are not frozen.

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Propagation

• Semi-hardwood cuttings (most reliable method)
• Seeds (less common in ornamental selections)

Cuttings root readily in warm, humid conditions.

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Pests / Diseases / Considerations

• Generally low pest pressure.
• Possible scale insects and whiteflies in humid climates.
• As a member of Euphorbiaceae, plant sap may be mildly toxic or irritating if ingested or contacted excessively.

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Ecological Notes

• Attracts butterflies and nectar-feeding insects.
• Provides continuous color in managed landscapes.
• Does not typically naturalize aggressively outside tropical zones.

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Additional Notes

Peregrina occupies a specific niche in ornamental horticulture: it bridges the gap between tropical show plant and durable landscape shrub. Its extended bloom cycle gives it disproportionate aesthetic value compared to many seasonal flowering species.

The bright pink clusters function as signal beacons against dense green foliage — a structural and chromatic contrast that explains its persistent popularity in warm-climate gardens.

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Maintenance / Management

Best used as:

• Accent shrub
• Informal hedge
• Patio specimen
• Butterfly garden component

Avoid heavy shade placement if bloom production is a priority.

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All text and descriptive structure may be freely used for educational, artistic, and reference purposes. Botanical information is shared to support ecological literacy and creative interpretation.

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