Peregrina (Jatropha integerrima var. hastata): What We Know About This Lesser-Known Shrub
If you’ve stumbled across the name peregrina in your plant research, you might be wondering what exactly this shrub is all about. Peregrina, scientifically known as Jatropha integerrima var. hastata, is a perennial shrub that falls into the category of plants that are interesting but not widely documented in gardening circles.
The Basics: What Is Peregrina?
Peregrina is a woody, multi-stemmed shrub that typically grows to be less than 13-16 feet tall, though it can sometimes stretch taller or develop a single stem depending on environmental conditions. Like other shrubs, it has several stems that arise from or near ground level, giving it that classic bushy appearance we associate with shrubs.
This plant is part of the Jatropha family and has gone by other scientific names in the past, including Adenoropium hastatum. As with many plants, botanical naming can be a bit of a moving target as scientists learn more about plant relationships!
Where Does It Come From?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. Peregrina is considered a non-native species that has established itself in Puerto Rico, where it now reproduces on its own in the wild. While it wasn’t originally from Puerto Rico, it has adapted well enough to persist there without human intervention.
The Challenge of Growing Peregrina
If you’re considering adding peregrina to your garden, you’ll quickly discover that detailed growing information for this specific variety is surprisingly scarce. Unlike popular garden plants that have extensive cultivation guides, this particular variety of Jatropha integerrima hasn’t received much attention in gardening literature.
What we don’t know about peregrina includes:
- Specific growing conditions it prefers
- USDA hardiness zones where it thrives
- Detailed care requirements
- Pollinator and wildlife benefits
- Propagation methods
- Whether it has wetland tolerance
Should You Plant Peregrina?
Since peregrina isn’t listed as invasive or noxious, there’s no strong reason to avoid it entirely. However, the lack of detailed cultivation information makes it a bit of a gardening wild card. If you’re drawn to experimenting with unusual plants and don’t mind some uncertainty, it could be an interesting addition to your landscape.
That said, if you’re looking for reliable, well-documented shrubs for your garden, you might want to consider native alternatives that will provide known benefits to local wildlife and ecosystems. Native plants are always a safer bet for supporting local pollinators and creating sustainable landscapes.
The Bottom Line
Peregrina represents one of those garden mysteries – a plant that exists and has established itself in certain areas, but hasn’t made it into the mainstream gardening world with detailed growing guides and cultivation tips. If you do decide to try growing it, you’ll be venturing into relatively uncharted gardening territory.
For most gardeners, especially those interested in supporting native ecosystems, focusing on well-documented native shrubs will provide more predictable results and greater ecological benefits. But for the adventurous gardener who enjoys experimenting with unusual plants, peregrina might just be an intriguing challenge worth exploring.
