Source: Wikimedia Commons
Jatropha cathartica
BeginnerJatropha cathartica
A spurge-family caudiciform from Texas and north-eastern Mexico with a pale, globe-shaped caudex and grey-green leaves deeply cut into five to seven lobes. Bright pink to poppy-red flowers appear throughout the growing season.
About
Jatropha cathartica is a perennial herb in the spurge family, native to Texas in the United States and Coahuila, Nuevo León and Tamaulipas in north-eastern Mexico. It grows scattered among brush, usually on clay soil in hot, arid regions, and is adapted to survive many months without rain. It is also sold under its synonym Jatropha berlandieri. The woody, tuber-like caudex is globe-shaped and pastel white, up to about 20 cm wide and 30 cm tall; underground in the wild, it is exposed when grown in a pot. In spring the caudex sends up short stems with grey-green palmate leaves up to 10 cm long, deeply cut into five to seven lobes. The bright pink to poppy-red flowers, up to 12 mm across, are held in loose clusters on long stalks, each cluster with three or four female and ten to twelve male flowers. It blooms from spring to autumn, mainly in summer, and sets green, pea-like three-lobed capsules. In winter both stems and leaves die back and the plant goes dormant. It is a different species from Jatropha podagrica. In Japan potted plants are sold online and by specialist nurseries.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Jatropha cathartica
The Jatropha cathartica grows to Caudex up to about 20 cm wide and 30 cm tall; stems about 30 cm.
Basic Info
Origin
Texas (USA) and north-eastern Mexico
Lifespan
Long-lived perennial (little published data)
Size
Caudex up to about 20 cm wide and 30 cm tall; stems about 30 cm
Temperature
10〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Light feeding in the growing season
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
It grows in sun or shade and does well in pots at a bright window or in a greenhouse.
Watering
Plant in a free-draining mix and, in the growing season, let it dry between waterings.
Dormancy Care
In winter the stems and leaves die back; cut off the dry stalks and keep the plant on the dry side.
Temperature & Overwintering
Cold, damp conditions make the caudex soft and rotten, so keep it dry and warm in winter.
Propagation
Propagate from seed or cuttings.
Jatropha cathartica FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Jatropha cathartica?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Jatropha cathartica get?
The mature size of Jatropha cathartica is Caudex up to about 20 cm wide and 30 cm tall; stems about 30 cm. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Jatropha cathartica?
Jatropha cathartica: watering & fertilizer — Light feeding in the growing season. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Jatropha cathartica?
The price of Jatropha cathartica varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in CITES (checked on Species+). No special procedure is needed for transfers within Japan.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Jatropha cathartica
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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