Name: Jatropha, peregina.

Botanical name:Jatropha integerrima (in-te-JER-i-ma).

Description: A large shrub or small tree that is native to the West Indies. It features clusters of flowers at the ends of its branches. The flowers are small and vary from rosy red to vermilion, with golden stamens. These blossoms occur year round but look especially brilliant in August's heat. Jatropha is in the spurge family, and its cousins include poinsettia, crown-of-thorns, croton and copperleaf. It has a milky latex, which can irritate skin. Leaves may have lobes, but can have different shapes, even on the same plant. The plant is poisonous, so don't use in a yard where children play.

Height: 8 to 10 feet.

Light: Full sun to light shade.

Culture: Jatropha likes well-drained soils and can withstand dry conditions. Use light fertilizer only once or twice a year. It can be pruned to be compact, tree-like or allowed to become its multitrunked self. It makes an excellent container plant, with two or three around a patio or pool deck. Use a mix that is not especially rich and that drains quickly.

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