() in Southwestern United States and Adjacent Northern

Item Type Article

Authors Johnson, Matthew B.

Publisher University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ)

Journal Desert

Rights Copyright © Arizona Board of Regents. The University of Arizona.

Download date 04/10/2021 16:23:52

Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/10150/554312 Johnson Jatropha 21

be used as patio plants and are compatible in cactus and Jatropha (Euphorbiaceae) insucculent gardens. The various make eye- catching container plants in or out of leaf. While some people object Southwestern United States andto plants which "look like a bunch of sticks" for much of the year, jatrophas can be appealing landscape subjects for those Adjacent Northern Mexico people who appreciate plants with unusual character. Used properly, they can enhance a landscape. The plants are low Matthew B. Johnson maintenance and are not appetizing to rabbits and other critters. Jatrophas are not likely to become widely used land- Desert Legume Program scape plants, but a few species can be found at some Ari- zona nurseries. Perhaps more nurseries will begin to propa- The University of Arizona gate and market jatrophas as specialty landscape items. Most 2120 East Allen Road species are easily grown from scarified and many will Tucson, Arizona 85719 root from stem cuttings. Specific information on propaga- tion and horticultural characteristics is described below. Jatropha includes perhaps 200 species of trees, , and herbs found in various tropical and subtropical habitats inJatropha cardiophylla (Torrey) Müller Limberbush, North and South America, Africa, and India. Some speciessangrengado, sangre de drago (Figure 1, Page 22) are monoecious while others are dioecious. Seeds of someShrubby plants, generally 0.3 -2 m (1 -6.5 ft) tall, with several species of Jatropha are used as powerful purgatives and ato 100 or more semi -succulent, erect or spreading, flexible number of species are used in folk medicine and have otherstems arising from the roots. The stems are sparingly local uses. Some are grown as ornamental plants. branched. The bark is smooth and dark reddish brown. The leaves are drought deciduous; the blades are 2 -7 cm (0.75- The area covered by this study includes the portion of 2.75 in) long and heart- shaped with irregularly toothed mar- west of the Pecos River, southern New Mexico, southerngins. Inconspicuous white appear during the sum- Arizona, and northern Mexico north of 28° latitude, includ-mer. The fruits are green and contain a single rounded , ing the state of Baja California, and portions of Sonora, Chi-ripening from August to October. huahua, and . No Jatropha are native to California. Within this region there are eight taxa of Jatropha: J. Ridges, slopes, valleys, arroyos, and (southward) plains in cardiophylla, J. cinerea, J. cordata, J. cuneata, J. dioica Sonoran Desertscrub, thornscrub, occasional in tropical de- var. dioica, J. dioicavar. graminea, J. macrorhiza var.ciduous, and lower semidesert grassland. 65 -1270 m (200- septemfida, and J. malacophylla. J. cordata and J. 4000 ft) elevation. Arizona in central and eastern Pima County, malacophylla are restricted to Mexico while the other taxasouthern Pinal County and southeast Maricopa County, ex- occur in both countries. The two varieties of J. dioica are tending southward through much of lowland Sonora, Mexico. confined to the Chihuahuan Desert portion of the region. J. It is absent from the drier areas in northwest Sonora. macrorhiza occurs in grassland and woodland habitats above the deserts. The other species are found in the Sonoran Limberbush is widespread and locally common but is incon- Desert region. spicuous when not in leaf. It frequently grows among other plants as well as in the open, and seems equally at home In the southwestern United States, the shrubby species ofalong sandy arroyos and on rocky hillsides. The plants pro- Jatropha are often referred to as limberbush due to theirduce leaves only during the summer months in response to flexible stems. The names sangrengado or sangre de dragorain. Limberbush will not leaf out before June in southern (blood of the dragon) refer to the sap which exudes from cutArizona even if regularly watered although small leaves typi- stems and turns red on contact with air. The sap from minor cally appear a few weeks before the onset of the summer cuts of young twigs is often clear, but will change color as itrainy season. The leaves turn bright yellow änd quickly fall dries. The sap has been used as a dye. in late September or October. Limberbush grows in areas which receive 200 -500 mm (8 -20 in) of annual rainfall. Limberbush offer unique landscape possibilities for warm desert regions. The various species are strongly drought Cut stems exude a watery sap which turns red and can stain deciduous, and are leafless much of the year, displaying theclothing. Felger and Moser (1985) report that the roots are attractive stems. When in leaf, the plants are distinctive with crushed and used as a red dye. The roots have also been some having larger leaves than many other desert plants. used in tanning leather (Standley 1923). The stems contain The yellow or red autumn foliage provides a brief splash ofsmall amounts of rubber. Limberbush is not specifically re- color as the plants go dormant. Jatrophas are appropriate forported to be poisonous, however, other species of Jatropha desert landscapes where they can be combined with other are known to be toxic if eaten. desert shrubs and succulents as accent plants, keeping in mind the minimum cold tolerance of each species. They may 22 Desert Plants1998

Limberbush is easily grown from scarified seeds. Clipping along, and are kidney- or heart- shaped with entire or shal- small section of the seed coat is sufficient to accomplish lowly lobed margins. Flowers are bell- shaped and pink, ap- this. Approximately 80 percent germination was obtained pearing primarily in the summer and autumn. The 2 -3 seeded from scarified seeds direct -sown in gallon containers with acapsules ripen in the late summer and autumn. daily air temperature range of 21 -40° C (70- 104° F). Germina- tion takes 5 -8 days. Caution should be observed to prevent Most abundant in deeper soils of valleys and plains in small ants from burrowing into the soil and destroying the Sonoran Desertscrub and coastal thornscrub. Near sea level - seeds before they germinate. Plants were 30 -40 cm (12 -16 in) 925 m (2935 ft) elevation. Local in Arizona in Organ Pipe tall at four months after germination. Limberbush may beCactus National Monument near the Mexican border and grown from stem cuttings taken in the summer and treatedcommon and widespread in much of the Baja California pen- with IBA. Cuttings are slow to establish and develop. Divi-insula and western Sonora to northwest Sinaloa. sion is an effective method of propagation and the plants establish more rapidly than do those propagated from cut- Ashy limberbush is common along both sides of the Gulf of tings. Bare -rooted field -salvaged limberbush transplant with- California and sometimes grows abundantly on coastal dunes. out much difficulty although the plants should be quickly The northern limits of its range are determined by winter replanted to prevent them from drying out. Limberbush sus-freezing. Plants in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument tains stem damage at -5.5 to -6.5° C (20 -22° F) but recoversare generally less than 2 m (6.5 ft) tall and periodically suffer rapidly the following summer. The plants are drought resis-freeze damage. Ashy limberbush grows in areas which re- tant but require regular irrigation during the summer for op- ceive 150 -350 mm (6 -14 in) of yearly rainfall. This species has timum growth. Limberbush will grow in full sun or partialbeen used as a mordant in dyeing, and has been used me- shade. Red spider mites are an occasional problem ondicinally to treat warts and sore throats, and for hardening limberbush in the greenhouse. There are no other signifi-the gums (Standley 1923). The sap is used to treat hemor- cant pest or disease problems and the plants are not browsed rhoids (Roberts 1989). Felger and Moser (1985) report that by rabbits or rodents. Limberbush makes an interesting ac-ashy limberbush is used by the Seri for a variety of purposes cent in the ground or in a large container. including dolls and headressess made from the stems, and arrow poison from the sap. Debarked roots of young plants are crushed and made into a tea to treat dysentery.

The plants are readily propagated from seeds in the same manner as for Jatropha cardiophylla. Dormant stem cut- tings taken in November failed to root, but Roberts (1989) reports that cut stems of this species are planted in parts of Baja California and root to form living fences. Ashy limberbush suffers severe stem damage below -4° C (25° F). In cultivation in Arizona it should be planted in a protected site. This species has similar horticultural requirements to J. cardiophylla but will remain in leaf for most of the year with sufficient moisture and warmth. Ashy limberbush is suitable as a specimen or container plant.

Jatropha cordata (Ortega) Müller Tree limberbush, copalfo, torote papelio, miguelito (Figure 3, Page 23; Figure 8, Page 27) Large shrubs or small, rather upright trees 3 -10 (12) m [10 -33 (40) ft] tall with one or several well -developed succulent trunks. The bark is smooth and green, becoming straw col- ored and exfoliating in papery sheets. The leaves are drought deciduous; the blades are 3 -8.5 cm (1.2- 3.3in) long, heart - shaped or occasionally palmately 3- or 5- lobed; the margins are mostly entire or with small teeth bearing small, stalked Figure 1. Jatropha cardiophylla glands. Pink or white flowers appear in the summer. Fruits are 2 -3- seeded capsules ripening in August and September.

Jatropha cinerea (Ortega) Müller Ashy limberbush,Plains, valleys, slopes, and ridges in Sonoran Desertscrub, sangrengado, lomboy (Figure 2, Page 23; front cover) thornscrub, tropical deciduous forest and occasionally lower Usually shrubs, 1 -4 m (3 -14 ft) tall with several semi- succu- oak woodland. Near sea level -1000 m (3280 ft) elevation. lent stems. The bark is smooth and grayish. Leaves areWidespread in much of lowland Sonora except the arid north- drought deciduous; the blades are 1.5 -6.5 cm (0.6 -2.5 in)west and west central areas, ranging south to Jalisco. JohnsonJatropha 23

Figure 2.Jatropha cinerea

Figure 3.Jatropha cordata 24 Desert Plants 1998

Tree limberbush is a distinctive plant which resembles someJatropha cuneata is a characteristic plant of desert habitats species of Bursera when not in leaf, but lacks the aromaticalong the Gulf of California where it is often one of the domi- sap of the latter. The peeling bark is unique among jatrophasnant species, growing with J. cinerea and species of Bursera. in the region. Walking on a hillside during the dry season It is found on most islands in the Gulf. Shrubby limberbush among groves of leafless tree limberbush and Bursera as thegrows in areas which receive 100 -300 mm (3 -12 in) of yearly wind rustles the peeling bark on the trunks and limbs israinfall. This species grows in the hottest and driest habitats memorable experience. Tree limberbush grows in areas ofof any species of Jatropha in the region and the leaves are Sonora which average 250 -700 mm (10 -28 in) of yearly rain-smaller than those of the other species. J. cuneata resembles fall. This species is most abundant in thornscrub and tropi- misera and the two plants can be found growing cal deciduous forest. It enters the Sonoran Desert along thetogether in parts of Baja California. The milky white sap of the subtropical southeast margin where summer rainfall is high- latter readily distinguishes these species. The stems are used est and winters are often frost -free. Leaves appear with the by the Seri for making baskets and headrings. Felger and Moser summer rains and are strongly drought- deciduous in the(1985) report that some Seri use the sap for arrow poison while autumn. The northern limit of the distribution of this species others claim that it is not toxic. The bark is used for tanning, the is directly related to freezing temperatures in winter. At its stems yield a red dye, and the plant is used medicinally for a northern and elevational limits, plants have multiple trunks variety of purposes including the treatment of dysentery and and frequently show evidence of past freezes. The wood is sore throats (Standley 1923). This species is propagated from soft and is used by the Mayo andYaquí people in Sonora to seeds in the same manner as the other species. Plants in 10 cm carve ceremonial masks. Martin et al. (1998) indicate thatcontainers were 12 -15 cm (4.75 -6 in) tall at four months after sheets of bark of this species were once used to wrap cheesegermination. No information is available on vegetative propa- to keep it fresh. Seed propagation is as for the other species. gation. The plants sustain severe stem damage below -3° C (26° Larger stems will root. Cut trunks used for fence posts have F). Horticultural requirements for shrubby limberbush are simi- been observed to root and develop into new trees in the lar to the previous species. It is suitable as a specimen plant for Alamos area in southern Sonora. Tree limberbush will sus-nearly frost -free landscapes and makes an attractive container tain severe stem damage below -4° C (25° F). It would makeplant when larger. It naturally develops a bonsai appearance in an exceptional patio tree or landscape specimen for nearlyhabitat and this can be encouraged in cultivation. frost -free locations, planted singly or in groups. Cerv.Leatherstem, rubber plant, Jatropha cuneata (Wiggins and Rollins) Shrubby sangrengado, sangre de drago limberbush, sangrengado, matacora (Figure 4; Figures 9 andPlants shrubby, with dozens of semi -succulent stems aris- 10, Page 28) ing from a spreading underground root system. Old plants Much -branched spreading shrubs, 0.5 -2 m (1.5 -6.5 ft) tallcan develop patches over 3 m (10 ft) across with stems usu- with semi -succulent stems. The bark is smooth or wrinkledally less than 1 m (3.3 ft) tall. The bark is smooth and dark and yellowish gray to brown. The leaves are produced inreddish brown. In var. dioica, the leaves are commonly 1.5- response to moisture throughout the year, falling with3.O cm (0.6 -1.2 in) long by 6 -10 mm wide and obovate to drought. The leaves are nearly sessile, 0.5 -2.1 cm (0.2 -0.8 in)spatulate, while those of var. graminea are often 2.5 -5.0 cm long; those of mature stems are obovate or spatulate with(1 -2 in) long by 1 -4 mm wide and linear to narrowly oblan- entire margins while leaves of vigorously growing stemsceolate. Leaf margins are commonly entire, but on vigor- may occasionally be lobed. Small white flowers appear in the ously growing stems they can be lobed. The leaves are clus- summer and are followed by single- seeded capsules whichtered on numerous short spur branches. The flowers are ripen in the late summer and autumn. small and white, and appear in the summer and autumn. The fruits are single- seeded capsules which ripen in the autumn.

Jatropha dioica var. dioica: Plains, valleys, slopes, and ridges in Tamaulipan thornscrub and the lower margin of oak woodland. 30 -610 (and southward to 1525 +) m (100 -2000 (5000 +) ft) elevation. Ranging from the southern Edwards Plateau and the south Texas plains through the northeast- ern Mexican states to central Mexico.(Figure 5, page 25)

Figure 4. Jatropha cuneata J. dioica var. graminea: Slopes, ridges, and plains in Chihuahuan Desertscrub and the lower margin of semidesert Ridges, slopes, plains, and arroyos in Sonoran Desertscrub. grassland. 520 -1220 (and southward to 1675 +) m (1700 -4000 Near sea level - about 1000 m (3280 ft) elevation. Shrubby(5500 +) ft) elevation. Leatherstem ranges from southwest limberbush is found in Arizona from southeastern Yuma County Texas near the Rio Grande through parts of , to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and is widespread inCoahuila, San Luis Potosí, and , in Mexico.(Figure Baja California and western Sonora to northwest Sinaloa. 6, Page 25; Figure 11, Page 28) JohnsonJatropha 25

Jatropha macrorhiza (Bentham) (Figure i2, Page 28) Herbaceous stems to 0.5 m (1.6 ft) tall are produced from a large underground root during the summer months. The stem dies back completely in the fall. Large, palmately 5- or 7- lobed, blue -green leaf blades are up to 18 cm (7 in) long and have toothed margins. Showy pink flowers are produced in the summer. The fruits are 3- valved capsules which ripen in the summer and quickly release the rounded seeds.

Hills and slopes in semidesert grassland and oak woodland. 1130 -1750 m (3700 -5740 ft) elevation. Found in Cochise, Santa Cruz, and southeast Pima Counties, Arizona, southwest New Figure 5. Jatropha dioica var. dioica Mexico, and southwest Texas (one locality in Presidio County according to Powell, 1988), and in Chihuahua and northeast Sonora, Mexico. Jatropha dioica will leaf out in mid -spring and will remain in leaf until frost if sufficient moisture is available. The leaves The northern variety is var. septemfida while var. macrorhiza of var. dioica turn yellow in the autumn while those of var.occurs in central Mexico. Jatropha macrorhiza grows in graminea turn red, making the plants especially attractive. areas which receive 300 -500 mm (12 -20 in) of annual rainfall. Grass -leaf leatherstem, var. graminea, grows in drier habi- Plants are locally common in the late summer in grassland tats in the Chihuahuan Desert in areas which receive 150- and scrub areas in southeast Arizona. The clusters of pink 375 mm (6 -15 in) of rainfall. It often grows on rocky limestone flowers are attractive. The leaves and stems turn yellow and ledges and slopes. It is replaced eastward by var. dioicadry in the autumn months. Many references report that J. which is found in the southwest portion of the Edwards macrorhiza is toxic if eaten and Kearney and Peebles (1951) Plateau and is widespread in Tamaulipan thornscrub to the indicate that the roots are strongly purgative. This species east of the Chihuahuan Desert in areas which receive 375- is propagated from seeds which may be scarified. First -year 625 mm (15 -25 in) of annual precipitation. The stems ofseedlings produce two oblong cotyledons as their only leatherstem are reported to contain small amounts of rubber. leaves. The adult leaves are produced in subsequent years. Stems are used for hardening gums in Mexico. The seeds are The plants respond to regular irrigation when growing. This widely reported to be eaten by white -wing doves and Powell species would make an attractive addition to a rock garden (1988) reports that seeds are eaten by people in some parts or low -water use perennial garden. of Texas. Since many jatrophas are known to be toxic, eating the seeds is not recommended. Stems of var. dioica are toxicJatropha malacophylla (Standley) Sycamore -leaf if eaten by sheep or goats (Everitt and Drawe 1993). limberbush, sangrengado (Figure 7, Page 26) Shrubs or rarely small trees 2 -5 m (6.5 -16.5 ft) tall, with semi - Seed propagation is the same as for the other species. Plants succulent stems arising from a short trunk. The bark of older may be rooted from stem cuttings which are initially slow tosterns is smooth and gray, with soft, short pubescence on develop, but are easily propagated by division. Leatherstemyoung twigs. The leaves are drought -deciduous; the blades sustains stem damage at -5.5 to -6.5° C (20 -22° F) but usually are 12 -20 cm (4.75 -8 in) long, soft -fuzzy to the touch, and are recovers the following summer. Plants are easily cultivated palmately 5 -lobed with sparsely- toothed margins. White flow- and respond to regular irrigation in warm weather.ers appear with the new leaves in the summer. The fruits are Leatherstem may be used as a unique accent plant in desert 3- seeded capsules which ripen in the late summer and autumn. landscapes and combines well with cacti and other succulents. Slopes, valleys, canyons, and streamcourses in tropical de- ciduous forest. 260 -1000 m (855 -3280 ft) elevation. Extend- ing north of the 28th parallel only at lower elevations in the vicinity of Yécora, in eastern Sonora. It ranges southward in Mexico to .

Sycamore -leaf limberbush is distinctive with its large, soft leaves, resembling those of species of sycamore (Platanus spp.). It is typically an understory plant in tropical decidu- ous forest and is sometimes found in moist situations along seasonal streams. The plants also occur in rocky habitats with cacti and drought -tolerant trees and shrubs. Plants Figure 6. Jatropha dioica var. graminea gradually defoliate during the autumn and winter. Sycamore - leaf limberbush is found in areas of Sonora which receive 26 Desert Plants 1998

Figure 7. Jatropha malacophylla. Note that stem and leaf are different scale.

500 -700 mm (20 -28 in) of annual rainfall. This is the leastCitations and References xeromorphic species of Jatropha in the region. GerminationBenson L. and R. A. Darrow. 1980. Trees and shrubs of the requirements are as for the other species. Growth from seeds southwestern deserts, 3rd edition. The University of Ari- is rapid. Stem damage occurs below about -3° C (26° F). The zona Press, Tucson. 417pp. interesting foliage provides a tropical effect and this plantCorrell D. C. and M. C. Johnson. 1970. Manual of the vascu- could be used as an accent or container plant in a subtropi- lar plants of Texas. Texas Research Foundation, Renner, cal patio or minioasis setting. Texas. 1880pp. Everitt J. H. and D. L. Drawe. 1993. Trees, shrubs, and cacti Acknowledgements of south Texas. Texas Tech University Press, Lubbock. The information presented in this study is based on obser- 213pp. vations of plants in habitat and of cultivated plants in Tuc- Felger R. S. and M. B. Moser. 1985. People of the desert and son, Arizona, on specimens at The University of Arizona sea - ethnobotany of the Seri Indians. The University of herbarium, and on a review of the literature. Illustrations and Arizona Press, Tucson. 435pp. photographs are by the author. I thank Richard Felger for hisFelger R. S. and M. B. Johnson. In press. The trees of Sonora, suggestions. Mexico. Oxford University Press. N00

Figure 9. Jatropha cuneata north of Bahia Kino, Sonora, August 1985. Figure 10. Jatropha cuneata

Figure 11. Jatropha dioica var. graminea near Terlingua, Texas, October 1996. Arizona,Figure 12. August Jatropha 1985. macrorhiza west of the Dragoon Mountains, Cochise County, JohnsonJatropha 27

Johnson M. B. 1990. Limberbush - Jatropha cardiophylla (Euphorbiaceae). The Plant Press :14(2):8 -10. Kearney T. H. and R. H. Peebles. 1951. Arizona flora. Univer- sity of California Press, Berkeley. 1085pp. Martin P. S., D. Yetman, M. Fishbein, P. Jenkins, T. R. Van Devender, and R. K. Wilson. 1998. Gentry's Rio Mayo plants - the tropical deciduous forest and environs of northwest Mexico. The University of Arizona Press, Tuc- son. 557pp. Mielke J. 1993. Native plants for southwestern landscapes. University of Texas Press, Austin. 310pp. Powell M. A. 1988. Trees and shrubs of Trans -Pecos Texas including Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks. Big Bend Natural History Association, Inc. 536pp. Roberts N.C. 1989. Baja California plant field guide. Natural History Publishing Company, La Jolla. 309 pp. Sacamano C. M. and W. D. Jones. 1975. Native trees and shrubs for landscape use in the desert southwest. The University of Arizona, College of Agriculture, Coopera- tive Extension Service, Bulletin A -82, Tucson. 4Opp. Schmutz E. M. and L. B. Hamilton. 1979. Plants that poison. Northland Press, Flagstaff, AZ. 338pp. Standley P. C. 1923. Trees and shrubs of Mexico. Contribu- tions to the U.S. National Herbarium 23. Steinman V. W. and R. S. Felger. 1997. The Euphorbiaceae of Sonora, Mexico. Aliso 16(1):1 -71. Turner R. M., J. E. Bowers, and T. L. Burgess. 1995. Sonoran Desert plants - an ecological atlas. The University of Arizona Press, Tucson. 501pp. Vines R. A. 1960. Trees, shrubs and woody vines of the southwest. University of Texas Press, Austin. 1104pp. Warnock B. H. 1970. Wildflowers of the Big Bend country, Texas. Sul Ross State University, Alpine, Texas. 157pp. Figure 8. Jatropha cordata in tropical deciduous forest near Warnock B. H. 1974. Wildflowers of the Guadalupe Moun-Alamos, Sonora. March 1989. tains and the sand dune country, Texas. Sul Ross State University, Alpine, Texas. 176pp. Wiggins, I. L. in Shreve F. and I. L. Wiggins. 1964. Vegetation and flora of the Sonoran Desert. Stanford University Press, Stanford, California. 1740pp.

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