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GENERAL
Origin
:
sub-tropical,
tropical
Vigour
:
slow-growing
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid, very
humid
Propagation :
cuttings
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
low (700 ppm)
Hardiness
:
0°C
SHAPE
Type
:
shrub
Height
:
1 m-3 m
Spread
:
1 m-3 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
deep pink, deep
red
Size
:
3 cm
Period
:
July - September
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
1 cm - 2 cm
Toxicity
:
poisonous, fruit
Native to Cuba, this tall, dense, rounded evergreen shrub, commonly known as Peregrina, grows
up to 3 metres high with an equal spread, and when mature will be almost like a tree with several
slender trunks. It has been quite successful in Arriyadh in recent years, in both parks and gar-
dens, as well as in urban situations. The glossy, oval leaves are about 10 cm long, medium-green
and velvety on the upper surface. Bright scarlet, five-petalled, star-shaped flowers with yellow
stamens bloom in clusters in summer. J. integerrima does best in full sun in frost-free locations,
but will tolerate partial shade. In very cold winters in Arriyadh, it may become semi-deciduous,
but the main stems are hardy. It requires regular irrigation, especially in late spring and summer,
but can be classed as a drought-tolerant plant, once established. Tolerant of a wide variety of poor
and dry soils, as long as these are well draining, the shrub is not tolerant of salinity. It flowers on
the current year’s growth, so it can be pruned at any time of the year. All parts of the plant con-
tain toxic substances. Propagation is from cuttings taken in spring. A slow-release fertiliser, ap-
plied two to four times a year, will improve the plant’s appearance. J. integerrima is a spectacular
shrub in flower and can be used as an accent or in a shrub border. It is also a fine container plant
for patios. Suitable for planting in buffer strips such as road medians and in urban landscapes
squares, some protection is necessary against hot desiccating winds.
174
Jatropha integerrima,
Euphorbiaceae
Peregrina