Plant Family: Belongs to the Euphobiaceae family, one of the largest of plant families; characterized by frequently having milky, often poisonous sap; includes the poisonous Manchineel or Majini (Hippomane mancinella), Castor Oil (Ricinus communis), Cassava (Manihot esculenta), the Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), Carapite (Amanoa caribaea), and several Euphorbia spp including Poinsettia (E. pulcherrima).

Description: Beautiful, flowering shrub; one specimen along road near Eastern or Elmshall Gate; medium-sized, growing up to 4 m tall (13 ft), but usually half that size in cultivation; several slender trunks 1.5- 2.5 cm across (0.75-1.5 in); leaves alternate, simple, usually oblong but pointed, smooth, medium-green, 8-12 cm long (3-5 in), tending to cluster at branch ends; flowers scarlet, 2.5-3.5 cm across (1-1.5 in), born in multi-flowered terminal clusters; fruit a globular capsule, 2.5-3.5 cm in diameter (1-1.5 in); several cultivars with flower colors varying from dark red to coral.

Natural Habitat: Thrives on well drained soils in full sun or partial shade; drought resistant and tolerant of poor soils; propagation usually by cuttings, but also by seed.

Origin and Distribution: Native to the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico); now widely distributed in tropics and variously in sub-tropics, including Florida; common throughout Caribbean.

Uses: Primarily ornamental as individual shrub; spectacular when in bloom, which is most of the year.

Warning: Like many of the Euphorbias, Jatropha contains a milky sap that can irritate the eye and skin. All parts of the plant are reportedly poisonous if ingested