Peregrina (Jatropha integerrima, Enum. Syst. Pl.: 32 (1763))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: Jacq.

Bibliography: Enum. Syst. Pl.: 32 (1763)

Year: 1763

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Jatropha

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Cuba (incl. I. de la Juventud)

Description

The Peregrina, also known scientifically as Jatropha integerrima, is a striking and versatile shrub native to the western regions of Cuba, including Isla de la Juventud. This vibrant member of the Euphorbiaceae family has been known and classified in botanical literature since 1763, with its official enumeration documented by Jacquin in the Enumeration Systematica Plantarum.

Recognized for its ornamental appeal, Peregrina is a popular choice in gardens and landscapes due to its vivid red flowers that bloom throughout much of the year. These blossoms are not only visually appealing but also attract a variety of pollinators, adding ecological value to their aesthetic role. Peregrina plants typically require a warm, sunny environment and well-drained soil to thrive, making them particularly suited to tropical and subtropical climates.

Despite their beauty, it’s important to note that parts of the Peregrina, like many other members of the Euphorbiaceae family, can be toxic if ingested, and they exude a milky sap that can cause skin irritation. Therefore, while they can be a delightful addition to outdoor spaces, caution should be exercised, especially around pets and small children.

Additionally, Peregrina is cherished for its low maintenance and resilience, making it an excellent choice for novice gardeners or those seeking a hardy plant that can withstand a fair amount of neglect. Whether used as a single specimen plant or as part of a mixed border, the Peregrina offers a stunning display of color and endurance, celebrating the natural splendor of its Cuban origin.

Common Names

Eng: peregrina, spicy jatropha
Swe: blomsterjatrofa
Por: jatrofa
En: Peregrina, Spicy jatropha
Fr: Epika
Pt: Jatrofa
Es: Peregrina
Sv: Blomsterjatrofa

Synonyms

• Jatropha hastata (Jacq.)
• Adenoropium integerrimum ((Jacq.) Pohl)
• Jatropha diversifolia (A.Rich.)
• Jatropha pandurifolia var. coccinea ((Link) Pax)
• Jatropha pandurifolia var. latifolia (Pax)
• Jatropha moluensis (Sessé & Moc.)
• Adenoropium pandurifolium ((Andrews) Pohl)
• Jatropha integerrima var. hastata ((Jacq.) Fosberg)
• Adenoropium hastatum ((Jacq.) Britton & P.Wilson)
• Jatropha pandurifolia (Andrews)
• Jatropha acuminata (Desr.)
• Jatropha integerrima var. coccinea ((Link) N.P.Balakr.)
• Jatropha integerrima var. latifolia ((Pax) N.P.Balakr.)
• Jatropha diversifolia var. pandurifolia ((Andrews) M.Gómez)
• Jatropha coccinea (Link)

Distribution

• Cuba (native)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Belize (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Guatemala (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Marquesas (introduced)
• Nicaragua (introduced)
• Panamá (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Southwest Caribbean (introduced)
• Sulawesi (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken May 11, 2022 by Pierre Jeanjean (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 9, 2020 by James Louis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 16, 2020 by Claude Imauven (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2013 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2017 by vbrossato (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 12, 2020 by Auer Preta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2022 by xvbg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2022 by Hilger Patrick (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2022 by Sophie Delaveau (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 7, 2013 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 18, 2022 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 4, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2018 by Kamaria Hassane (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2022 by Ramesh Sharma (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 26, 2020 by A W (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2021 by Jonathan Golan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2020 by Machado David (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2021 by Maryam Farooq (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2021 by Maryam Farooq (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 4, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2022 by Hilger Patrick (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2022 by xvbg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2022 by xvbg (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3073017)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:350290-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Jatropha integerrima Jacq.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth