Leatherstem (Jatropha dioica)

   

Flowers of Leatherstem (Jatropha dioica), Lajetas. Photograph by Ad Konings.

• Common English Names: Leatherstem
• Common Spanish Names: Sangre de Drago
• Scientific Name: Jatropha dioica (Juh-TROH-fa dye-OYE-cuh).
• Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family)
• Geographic Range: Central Texas to New Mexico and south into Mexico.
• Plant Form: Small shrub.
• Remarks: Sap turns red upon exposure. Height to about 3 ft, width to 6 ft. Blooms in spring.

Last Update: 24 Sep 2003