ShrubCultivatedPerennialMedicinal

Jatropha integerrima Jacq.

Jatropha

Synonym: Jatropha hastata Jacq

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Description

Jatropha integerrima is an evergreen shrub or small tree, usually 2–4 m tall, with an upright, branched habit and rounded crown. The stem is woody, smooth, and greyish-brown, producing white latex when injured. Leaves are simple, alternate, variable in shape, usually elliptic, lanceolate, or slightly lobed, about 5–12 cm long, with entire margins, an acute apex, and a smooth green surface. Flowers are bright red to pink, unisexual, and arranged in terminal or axillary branched clusters. The species is monoecious, with male and female flowers occurring on the same plant. Male flowers are numerous with prominent stamens, while female flowers are larger and develop into fruits. Fruits are dry, three-lobed capsules that split at maturity and contain three seeds.

Diagnostic Characters

Vegetative

Evergreen ornamental shrub. Variable but mostly entire leaves. Milky latex present.

Floral

Bright red-pink flowers. Branched terminal inflorescences. Monoecious flowering system.

Fruit & Seed

Three-lobed capsule. Three large seeds.

Distribution

Native range: Native to Caribbean region, Cuba. Cultivated in Tropical Asia, Africa, Tropical America, Gardens worldwide.

In Pakistan: Cultivated as an ornamental shrub in Parks, Botanical gardens, University campuses, Home gardens.

Phenology

Flowering

Fruiting

Flowering: Almost throughout the year in tropical climates Fruiting: Following flowering periods

Ethnobotany & Uses

Ornamental Importance

Important horticultural plant because of Long flowering period, Attractive red flowers, Evergreen foliage.

Medicinal Importance

Traditional uses include Anti-inflammatory applications, Skin-related treatments. Reported compounds Flavonoids, Terpenoids, Phenolics, Toxicity. Seeds and latex may contain toxic compounds causing Gastrointestinal irritation, Nausea, Vomiting.

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Where it grows on campus

South Campus34East-South-East Campus7West Campus25North-North-West Campus20North-East Campus22

108

individuals mapped across 5 zones

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Taxonomic Notes

Jatropha integerrima belongs to the genus Jatropha, which includes several economically important species such as Jatropha curcas.