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Jatropha
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Jatropha

Jatropha Curcas

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameJatropha
DescriptionVersatile tropical shrub featuring clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in vibrant shades of red, coral, pink, or occasionally white, blooming nearly year-round. Two main species grown ornamentally: J. integerrima (Peregrina) with showy red flowers, and J. curcas (Purging Nut) with greenish flowers but toxic seeds used for biofuel. Both have attractive, glossy foliage and thrive in heat and drought. Easy-care, fast-growing shrub perfect for tropical gardens, hedges, and xeriscaping. All parts toxic if ingested.
FamilyEuphorbiaceae
GenusJatropha
TribeJatropheae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaMale: EBr ⊕ ♂ K5 C5 A(5+5), Female: EBr ⊕ ♀ K5 C5 A0 G(3)

Monoecious (separate male and female flowers on same plant). Ebracteate, radially symmetrical. Male flowers - 5 free sepals, 5 free petals, 10 stamens fused in 2 whorls. Female flowers - 5 free sepals, 5 free petals, no stamens, 3 fused carpels with superior ovary

Features
  • Name 'Jatropha' from Greek 'iatros' (physician) and 'trophe' (food/nutrition), referencing medicinal uses despite toxicity. J. integerrima called 'Peregrina' (wanderer) or 'Spicy Jatropha.' J. curcas called 'Purging Nut' for purgative properties. About 170 Jatropha species. J. curcas important biofuel crop
  • Flowers 0.5-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) across, small star-shaped blooms with 5 petals. J. integerrima has vibrant red, coral, or pink flowers; J. curcas has greenish-yellow flowers. Arranged in terminal clusters. Blooms nearly year-round in warm climates, primarily spring through fall elsewhere. Monoecious (male and female flowers on same plant)
  • Evergreen shrub or small tree that blooms continuously in tropical conditions. Fast-growing, reaching mature size in 2-3 years. J. integerrima grown for ornamental flowers; J. curcas for biofuel from toxic seeds. Drought tolerant once established. Thrives in heat
  • Grows 6-15 feet (2-4.5 m) tall, J. integerrima typically 6-8 feet, J. curcas 10-15 feet. Spread of 4-8 feet. Lifespan of 25-50+ years. Propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings (root easily in 3-4 weeks), seeds, or air layering
  • J. integerrima native to Cuba and Caribbean. J. curcas native to Mexico and Central America. Both now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, especially Asia, Africa, and Americas. Found in disturbed areas, roadsides, and cultivated lands
  • Requires full sun (6-8 hours). Adapts to most well-drained soils, even poor soil. Extremely drought and heat tolerant once established. Water moderately. Minimal fertilizer needed. Prune to shape. Frost tender (damaged below 32°F/0°C). Zones 10-11 outdoors
  • J. integerrima excellent ornamental for hedges, borders, and containers. J. curcas important biofuel crop (oil from seeds). All parts toxic—seeds especially poisonous, causing severe vomiting, diarrhea. Milky sap irritates skin. Used in traditional medicine with caution. Deer resistant. Low maintenance. Attracts butterflies. Symbolizes protection

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificJatropha Curcas
English (Alternate)Purging Nut, Barbados Nut, Poison Nut, Bubble Bush
Hindiरतनजोत (Ratanjot), जमाल गोटा (Jamal Ghota), जंगली अरंडी (Jangli Arandi), सफेद अरंड (Safed Arand)
Tamilகாட்டு ஆமணக்கு (Kaattu Aamanakku), கட்டாமணக்கு (Kattaamanakku), சிறிய ஆமணக்கு (Siria Amanakku), அடலை (Adalai)
Teluguనేపాలము (Nepalamu), అడవి హరలు (Adaviya Haralu), పడ్డనేపాలము (Paddanepalamu), అడవి ఆముదపు చెట్టు (Adavi Amudapu Chettu)
Malayalamകാട്ടാവണക്ക് (Kattavanakku), കമ്മട്ടി (Kammatti), കാട്ടുവണക്ക് (Kattuvanakku), ചുവന്ന കടലാവണക്ക് (Chuvanna Kadalavanakku)
Kannadaಡಲ ವನಕ (Kadalavanaka), ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಹರಳು (Bettada Haralu), ಮರ ಹರಳು (Mara Haralu), ಕರ್ನೋಚಿ (Karnochi), ಪರಂಗಿ ಗಿಡ (Parangi gida), ಪಟ್ಟಲು ಪರಂಗಿ (Pattalu parangi)
Sanskritद्रवन्ति (dravanti), कानना एरण्डा (kanana eranda), पार्वती-एरन्द (parvati-erand)
Bengaliভ্যারেন্ডা (Bherenda), ব্যাগ-ভ্যারেন্ডা (Bag-Bherenda), জেট্রফা (Jatropha )
FrenchMédecinier, Médecinier purgatif, Noix de médecine
RussianЯтрофа (Yatrofa), фикусовое дерево (fikusovoye derevo)
Spanishpiñón, piñón purgante, piñón botija, piñón criollo, piñón lechero, tártago
GermanKorallenbaum, Purgiernussbaum

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.