monthly highlight for May 2025 flora: Jatropha plant

Craving some vivid floral pops in your Kona summer yard? Give a thought to a couple of jatropha species that thrive even in the dry seasons. Two top picks are the rose-flowered jatropha (Jatropha integerrima) and the quirky Buddha belly (Jatropha podagrica).

Rose-flowered jatropha, part of the Euphorbiaceae family with over 150 species, sports bright red or pink blossoms almost all year round. Her cousin, Buddha belly, also produces red blooms but boasts a unique bulbous base, earning her the nickname. These unique beauties might have different growth habits and shapes, but they share similar preferences for a sunny, well-drained spot in your garden.

The rose-flowered, or Peregrina, generally grows as a shrub, but you can prune it to resemble a tree. Native to Cuba and the West Indies, it's become a popular ornamental in tropical and subtropical landscapes. The white and pink cultivars exist, but it's the bright rose-hued jatropha that steals the spotlight in Hawaii.

After the flower show, attractive seed capsules make an appearance. While they're visually appealing, these capsules are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. However, the seeds can be used for propagation. To grow new rose-flowered jatropha plants from cuttings, let them reach about 6 inches before transplanting them into the sun or a spot with partial shade. They appreciate well-draining soil and requiring infrequent watering once established. They can handle various conditions, but salt isn't their jam.

Keep in mind the petite Buddha belly if you're hunting for a smaller jatropha with a more intense flower and a fascinating growth habit. This jatropha's base swells to form a "belly," and the clusters are littered with dozens of bright red buds or stumps, giving it an eye-catching appearance.

Native to Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, it's now grown worldwide as a succulent in tropical countries or as a curiosity in temperate climates. Despite rarely reaching over three feet, it's a showstopper and often featured in gardens or containers. To retain its bonsai-esque charm, consider potting it for extended periods.

The soil must drain well to keep Buddha belly healthy, and watering only when the soil is dry prevents root rot. Red flower clusters typically rise above large, lobed green leaves. Following flowering, seed capsules appear, adding to the plant's overall appeal. These seed pods turn brown as they mature and split open, scattering seeds.

Now, whether you opt for the bold rose-flowered jatropha or the petite, intriguing Buddha belly, you're adding vibrant color to your drought-tolerant garden. Consider these fabulous additions for your summer oasis.

(May 10) Hilo Chocolate Festival (9am-4pm, Hilo Hawaiian Hotel)
(May 19-23) North American Plant Breeders Annual Meeting
(May 21) Variety Showcase (4-7pm, Kona Outrigger Resort)
(May 25-31) Ka'u Coffee Festival (Pahala)
(July 17-19) Hawaii Coffee Association Annual Conference

Farmer Direct Markets

Wednesdays (9am-2pm): Ho'oulu Farmers Market, Sheraton Kona Resort
Saturdays (8am-noon): Keauhou Farmers Market, Keauhou Shopping Center
Saturdays (7:30am-noon): Kamuela Farmers Market, Pukalani Stables
Saturdays (7:30am-noon): Waimea Town Market, Parker School (central Waimea)
Saturdays (7:30am-noon): Waimea Homestead Farmers Market, Waimea middle and elementary school playground
Sundays (9am-2pm): Pure Kona Green Market, Amy Greenwell Garden (Captain Cook)
Sundays (9am-2pm): Hamakua Harvest, Hwy 19 and Mamane Street (Honokaa)

Plant Advice Lines

For plant guidance, email [email protected] or drop in at UH-CES in Kailua-Kona on Tuesdays and Thursdays (9am-noon) or at UH CES at Konohana in Hilo on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays (9am-noon).

Attend the Variety Showcase on May 21 at Kona Outrigger Resort to admire a diverse selection of plants, possibly including the rose-flowered jatropha and the Buddha belly.
The Hilo Chocolate Festival on May 10, held at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, not only offers a delightful range of chocolates but also provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the surrounding plants, including those suitable for Kona summer gardens such as the jatropha species.
To gain valuable knowledge about gardening and plant care, consider visiting the UH-CES in Kailua-Kona on Tuesdays and Thursdays (9am-noon) or at UH CES at Konohana in Hilo on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays (9am-noon), where you can learn about the best practices for growing vibrant jatropha plants, like the rose-flowered and Buddha belly varieties, in your home-and-garden.