Accession Count: 2
Common Name:
leafylimberbush
Family Name:
Euphorbiaceae
Botanical Name:
Jatropha cinerea
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Compound:
Jat cin
Geographic Origin:
Mexican Desert
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The Leafy Limber Bush originated in tropical Mexico. Its natural habitat is in warm dry climates similar to the Sonoran Desert. The plant is usually found below 4,000ft in South Central Arizona. It also can be found south of Mexico at about 2400 feet above sea level, along washes, on plains or in rocky areas, and on hills(1). Botanists do not recommend that people collect this flower because of its limited distribution within the United States(1). The plant is generally found are on slopes and relatively flat gravel surfaces in southeastern, Yuma and all the way to southwestern Arizona in the Tucson area of Pima County
Cultivation Notes:
The Jatropha needs minimal water to germinate and is drought resistant when mature. The plant is also resistant to herbivory by animals, such as, gophers which are deterred by the red coloring of the plant sap(1). They are limited to warm climates and will die if exposed to freezing temperatures. If the plant received adequate sunlight it will bloom in late summer or early fall(1) when days are still relatively long and the nights are relatively short. The best soils for Jatropha cardiophylla are sands that are somewhat deep about 40-45cm(1).
Ethnobotany:
The Leafy Limber Bush is used for both animal and human needs. The stems are used to make baskets, but human medicinal uses of the Leafy Limber Bush are limited given its toxic effect on cells at high concentrations. Limber Bush Tea can be used for tanning leather, and at lower concentrations for treating a variety of ailments(2). The tea can be used to treat diarrhea, cure mouth sores and bleeding gums if gargled as a mouth rinse. The Limber Bush sap can also be used to sooth burns, bites, and stings(2). The plant sap can also be collected by clipping several stems at the plants base and applying the sap as needed to affected areas.
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
White
Function:
Habitat
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Allergenic
Invasive:
Invasive
Toxicity:
Toxic
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
