Jatropha spicata

Jatropha spicata

Family: Euphorbiaceae.

It is a semi-succulent, perennial plant with stems that are more or less woody and can persist for several years. The stems can be 50 – 200cm tall, growing from a rather swollen, almost tuberous base.

Sowing instructions: The sowing medium should be light and poorer in nutrients than normal commercial plant compost. A mineral soil can also be used, such as fine to medium grade sand to which can be added a little finely sifted peat. The soil should be thoroughly wetted by standing the containers in water. Sow the seeds evenly and not too thickly on the surface of the soil, press lightly and cover with a very thin layer of soil or sand no more than twice the thickness of the seeds. The temperature at night should not go below 18 °C, although by day it can rise as high as 40 °C. 25 °C is ideal. Basically higher temperatures bring faster germination, but full sun should be avoided to prevent the young seedlings scorching.

Locality: Ex Hort. Harvest: August 2024