Jatropha plant wins May 2025 monthly recognition as Flora highlight
Unfiltered, Toxic Garden Guide: Embrace Your Inner Horticulturist with these Drought-Tolerant Jatropha Varieties
Are you tired of the lush, wet summers in Kona? Ditch the mundane greenery and prep for the drier times ahead with some vibrant, flowering plants! Check out a few drought-tolerant Jatropha species that offer striking red or pink flowers year-round.
Jatropha integerrima, also known as peregrina or rose-flowered jatropha, belongs to a genus boasting over 150 species, all part of the Euphorbiaceae family. Her cousin, the spectacularly dubbed Jatropha podagrica, aka Buddha belly, both share similar growing preferences, albeit different shapes and sizes.
Peregrina typically grows as a shrub and can be pruned to attain a tree-like appearance. Native to Cuba and the West Indies, this ornamental delight has made its way to tropical and subtropical locales. Originally introduced to Hawaii from Panama in 1950, it's a common sight in local gardens, serving as a screening plant or sunny lanai specimen. Though white and pink varieties abound, bright rosey hues are the preferred option in Hawaii.
Post-flower clusters, captivating lobed seed capsules appear, interesting to look at yet inedible and potentially harmful to both pets and humans. Edible seeds wait within these capsules, perfect for propagation.
Propagating peregrina is easy from cuttings, with seedlings or cuttings 6-inches tall ready for sunny or partially shaded locations. Well-draining soil is a must, and established plants call for infrequent watering. Variety and conditions tolerance abound, but salt-intolerance persists.
Minimal maintenance is required; occasional pruning to keep a neat appearance is recommended. Light fertilization every 3-4 months should bolster health and ward off pests and diseases.
If a diminutive, more brilliantly colored jatropha appeals to you, explore the offerings of the Jatropha podagrica aka gout plant, Buddha belly, and ever so nicely named for its peculiar swollen base. Green leaves surround a network of red flower buds, setting this variety apart from peregrina.
Descended from Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, this jatropha is globally enjoyed as a succulent and in temperate climates as a curiosity, often under glass. Don't expect too much height – at most, she'll reach 3 feet - but her unique appearance commands attention. Keep her in a large container for extended time to create a bonsai, perfectly highlighting her form.
Soil that drains well is a must for jatropha health. Gravel or cinder in the growing medium coupled with watering only when the soil feels dry can prevent root rot. Red flower clusters towering above the large, lobed bright green leaves usually emerge year-round.
These seed pods turn brown as they mature and eventually crack open, releasing seeds. Be mindful – the capsules are toxic, not for consumption. Act swiftly to gather seeds before the pod splits if you wish to germinate new Buddha belly plants.
Seedlings with multiple leaves may be ready for a larger pot or garden bed. Place this jatropha in full sun for optimal flowering. This drought-tolerant plant requires little water and needs protection from wind; it is not salt air-tolerant.
Perfect for a rock garden, this jatropha can act as an eye-catching member of a succulent grouping. Expect butterfly encounters!
Whether you gravitate towards Peregrina or Buddha belly, these jatropha varieties are an excellent addition to your drought-tolerant garden!
Gardening events
Ongoing
Pre-order coffee leaf rust-resistant trees – Available at the UH CTAHR office in Kainaliu. Catimor hybrid seedlings and grafted trees are available. Conventional but non-organic cultivation, with rootstock tolerant to coffee root-knot nematodes. Trees grafted on liberica rootstock cost $15, ungrafted seedlings $10, first-come, first-served basis. Email [email protected] to express interest. A waiver and release form must be signed prior to purchase.
Upcoming dates
May 10: Hilo Chocolate Festival – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Drive. Free; enjoy chocolate sampling, farm tours, demonstrations, and educational exhibits. www.EastHwaiiCacao.org/Festival or call 808-935-9361 for more info.
May 21: Variety Showcase – 4-7 p.m. @ Kona Outrigger Resort. Learn about the latest plant varieties for Hawaii. $40 general admission, $25 for farmers. Buy tickets
May 25-31: Ka'u Coffee Festival in Pahala. Learn more at www.kaucoffeefestival.com.
July 17-19: Hawaii Coffee Association Annual Conference. More info
Farmer Direct Markets
Wednesday: Ho'oulu Farmers Market – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. @ Sheraton Kona Resort at Keauhou Bay
Saturday: Keauhou Farmers Market – 8 a.m. to noon @ Keauhou Shopping Center
Saturday: Kamuela Farmers Market – 7:30 a.m. to noon @ Pukalani Stables
Saturday: Waimea Town Market – 7:30 a.m. to noon @ the Parker School in central Waimea
Saturday: Waimea Homestead Farmers Market – 7:30 a.m. to noon @ Waimea middle and elementary school playground
Sunday: Pure Kona Green Market – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. @ Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook
Sunday: Hamakua Harvest – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. @ Hwy 19 and Mamane Street in Honokaa
Plant Advice Lines
Anytime: [email protected]
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9 a.m. to noon @ UH-CES in Kainaliu, 322-4893; walk-ins Mon., Tues., and Fri 9 a.m. to noon @ UH CES at Konohana in Hilo, 981-5199.
Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator, and consultant living on Oahu and working part-time in Kona.
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waiver and release form
Jatropha plants, with their drought-tolerant characteristics and vibrant flowering, are excellent additions to a home-and-garden or even a rock garden, enhancing your home-and-garden lifestyle and lifestyle overall.
While exploring different jatropha varieties like Peregrina or Buddha belly, consider attending local gardening events to learn about the latest plant varieties, including information on coffee rust-resistant trees.
The Hilo Chocolate Festival on May 10, the Variety Showcase on May 21, the Ka'u Coffee Festival in May, and the Hawaii Coffee Association Annual Conference in July are some events worth checking out.
For more immediate plant advice and education, Diana Duff, a plant adviser and educator, can be reached for consultation, with available resources such as the UH-CES plant advice lines and walk-in services.
Embracing the horticulture world can lead to an infrequent yet exciting infusion of new plant knowledge and skills, elevating your gardening passion and infusing more life into your home-and-garden and lifestyle.
