Snyder Preserve - Jatropha cuneata

Family: Euphorbiaceae
 
Compound: Jat cun
 
Synonyms: None
 
Geographic Origin: southwestern AZ, northwestern MX
 
Characteristics: A medium sized succulent shrub with red-brown, grey-brown, or grey bark. Thick, heavily branched stems emanate from a woody base. Often leafless, though obovate leaves with entire margins grow from numerous short nubs on stems when present. When damaged, stems emit a runny, yellow to red latex. Flowers are small, goblet shaped and pale white to cream. They bloom in early spring and produce a single larger seed per fruit in spring to summer. 
 
Natural History: Grows in sandy flats to rocky slopes in low desert environments, often near the coast. 
 
Cultivation Notes: Can be grown from seed or stem cutting. Protect from extreme cold. Full sun to partial shade and well-draining soils are preferred.
 
For general plant propagation information, click here
 
Ethnobotany: Flexible stems may have been used to build baskets and other items.
 
Citations:
 
Southwest Desert Flora. Retrieved June 22, 2024.