Jatropha integerrima is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. It is native to Cuba and Hispaniola but has been widely introduced in tropical regions around the world as an ornamental plant. It is commonly known by various names, including Peregrina, Spicy Jatropha, and Chaya.
Jatropha integerrima is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 6 meters tall. It has smooth grey bark and branches that grow in a twisted and irregular manner. The leaves are simple, alternate, and measure about 10-15 cm long by 7-10 cm wide. They are dark green and glossy, with toothed margins.
The flowers of Jatropha integerrima are small, red, and star-shaped. They grow in clusters at the tips of the branches and bloom throughout the year, but especially in the warmer months. The flowers are followed by a green, three-lobed fruit that contains black seeds.
In traditional medicine, various parts of Jatropha integerrima have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including skin infections, toothaches, and fever. However, the plant contains toxic compounds, including phorbol esters, which can cause skin irritation and other health problems if ingested or handled improperly. Therefore, caution should be exercised when handling the plant.
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