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Jatropha dioica var. graminea

Jatropha dioica Cerv. var. graminea McVaugh

Leatherstem, Bloodroot, Sangre De Drago

Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: JADIG

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

The leaves, when present, are 1-1 1/4 inches long, in clusters on short, lateral branches. The plant is 18-24 inches tall, with reddish-brown stems that are extremely flexible, almost impossible to break. The small, cream-colored flowers, 1/4 inch across, supported by red sepals, grow in clusters at the end of the stems. Flowers are urn-shaped, flaring out into 5 tiny lobes. The staminate and pistillate flowers are on separate plants. It is said that if the plant is pulled up, it exudes a reddish liquid, causing it to be known as "bloodroot".