Jatropha Red Plant

Maheshwari s Jatropha is an undershrub 1.5-2 m tall. It is named for Prof. Panchanan Maheshwari (1904-1966), Indian botanist. It is found in the costal areas of Tamilnadu and Kerala in India. It grows in porous, redsoil in summer. The caudex can grow to 30 cm.

Planting and care

After planting the plant you should water it daily for the first week. Then you can decrease the watering time to the alternative days. After two weeks you can water the plant when you see the soil surface is dry. This is possible since jatropha is a drought tolerant plant.
Jatropha can be pruned at any time. They can be pruned as a single trunk for tree growth, or tip pruned for internal branching. Tip pruning will give the appearance of a shrub giving the plant a round shape.

In areas warm enough to support its growth, wait until mid-May or later to set it out. Plant in full sun to partial shade. Those growing in full sun flower best, though. Spicy jatropha is not particular about soil pH, as long as the soil is well-draining.
Once established, it grows rapidly. A regular watering schedule is necessary for the first growing season, so that it builds a deep and extensive root system. The jatropha tolerates drought and saline conditions to a moderate degree.