Jatropha dioica
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Plant Description: Deciduous perennial or subshrub with thick, pliable, erect stems to 75 cm high, forming colonies by way of runners. Leaves 1-6 cm long, spatulate to linear, often lobed, simple, alternate or fascicled on short branches. Flowers axillary or on short spurs, the male and female on separate plants. corolla 8 mm long or less, white to pinkish.
Plant Trivia: Poisonous to sheep and goats. The plant’s sap, initially clear/yellowish, turns red like “dragon’s blood” when exposed to air; hence the Spanish name.
Field Identification: No other area shrub has pliable stems. These dark stems stand out prominently.
Occurrence: Mostly in western half of the area. Has high heat and drought tolerance.
Bloom Period: April – September
Plant Use:
Key to Genera if needed:
stxflora 