Contents
Description
Jatropha Cinerea, also known as gray-leaved Jatropha or wild sage, is a member of the Euphorbia family. It is a perennial shrub that is native to Africa, but can also be found in other parts of the world like the Middle East and India. It grows up to 1-2 meters tall and 2-3 meters wide, with grayish-green leaves that are 5-10 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. It produces small greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in clusters from summer to fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Jatropha |
Appearance
Jatropha Cinerea has a unique appearance with its grayish-green leaves that are covered in fine hairs, giving it a fuzzy texture. The leaves are oval-shaped and have serrated edges. The shrub has a sprawling growth habit with a woody stem and multiple branches. Its flowers are small and greenish-yellow, with five petals that are arranged in a star-like shape. The fruit of Jatropha Cinerea is a capsule that contains three seeds.
Care Guide
To care for Jatropha Cinerea, follow these guidelines:- Water: Water your plant regularly, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.- Fertilization: Feed your plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.- Soil: Jatropha Cinerea prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of sand, perlite, and peat moss works well.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Jatropha Cinerea can grow in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Jatropha Cinerea is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs can be controlled with insecticidal soap, while spider mites can be managed by increasing humidity around the plant and spraying it with water.
Habitat
Jatropha Cinerea is native to Africa, where it grows in sandy and rocky soils. It can also be found in other parts of the world like the Middle East and India. It thrives in arid and semi-arid regions and can tolerate drought and high temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Jatropha Cinerea poisonous?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
Q: Can Jatropha Cinerea be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown indoors as long as it receives enough sunlight.
Q: How often should I prune my Jatropha Cinerea?
A: Prune it as needed to maintain its shape and size, but avoid pruning too much as it can affect its flowering.
Q: Can Jatropha Cinerea be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, it can be propagated from stem cuttings. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Jatropha Cinerea:- Jatropha Curcas- Jatropha Integerrima- Jatropha Podagrica- Jatropha Multifida
References
– “Jatropha cinerea.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b717- “Jatropha cinerea.” PlantZAfrica. http://pza.sanbi.org/jatropha-cinerea- “Jatropha cinerea.” World Plants: Synonymic Checklists of the Vascular Plants of the World. http://worldplants.webarchiv.kit.edu/D/index.php?name=Jatropha%20cinerea
