Jatropha elliptica (Pohl) Oken

  • Authority

    Dehgan, Bijan. 2012. . Fl. Neotrop. Monogr. 110: 1--274. (Published by NYBG Press)

  • Family

    Euphorbiaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Jatropha elliptica (Pohl) Oken

  • Type

    Lectotype. Brazil. Minas Geraës, ca. urbem Paracatú, Aug-Nov 1818-1819, J.B.E. Pohl 2356 (lectotype, here designated: K-1854).

  • Synonyms

    Adenoropium ellipticum Pohl, Jatropha elliptica (Pohl) Oken, Jatropha gossypiifolia subsp. heterophylla var. intermedia Chodat & Hassl., Jatropha intermedia (Chodat & Hassl.) Pax, Jatropha elliptica subsp. heterophylla var. guaranitica Chodat & Hassl., Jatropha officinalis Mart. ex Pohl, Jatropha opifera Mart., Jatropha lacertii Silva Manso, Jatropha eglandulosa Pax

  • Description

    Species Description - Subshrubs, 0.3-2 m tall. Stems: cauline branches herbaceous, unbranched, green, somewhat succulent and pliable, from a subterranean, conical, but much elongated caudex that appears rhizomatous, with distinct branch scars primarily on upper portion, latex clear (not cloudy). Leaves: deciduous together with cauline shoots; stipules branched, stipitate glands, (3-)4-10 mm long, petioles sessile to subsessile, to 0.4 x 2 mm long when present; blades elliptic, undivided, 4-8.5 x 1-22.5 cm, ± coriaceous, base cuneate, margins glandular-ciliate, and sometimes serrulate, apex acute, venation pinnate, glabrous or sparsely pubescent on both surfaces. Inflorescences: terminal, few-flowered cymes, peduncles 3.5-11 cm long; bracts foliar, 5-11 mm long, margins glandular-ciliate, glabrous; pedicels 1-2.5 mm long. Staminate flowers: sepals ovate, 2-3.5 x 0.8-1.2 mm, connate ¼-½ of length, margins glandular-ciliate 01 less frequently entire, apex acute-acuminate, glabrous on both surfaces; corollas rotate-campanulate, from yellow-green to purple or bicolor (e.g., red with yellow or green border), petals 3-6.5 x 1.2-2.2 mm, apex round, pubescent on adaxial side but glabrous on abaxial; stamens 8, monodelphous-uniseriate, filaments 3-4.5 mm long, connate ¾ of length. Pistillate flowers: like staminate but sepals 3-4.5 x 1-1.2 mm, petals 4.5-6 x 1.0-2 mm, connate ¾ of length; carpels 3, styles 0.8-2 mm, connate upon anthesis but soon distinct. Capsules: ellipsoid, 1.2-1.5 x 1-1.2 cm, usually glabrous, explosively dehiscent. Seeds: cream to golden-brown mottled with darker red-brown, oval, 7-9 x 4-5 mm, caruncle yellowish, prominent.

  • Discussion

    Local names and uses. Apinajé, batata de teiu, carijo ou tiú, hmbro-nho-cie-tu, purga colorada, purga-de lagarto, and purga de Sagarto. Medicinally used to cleanse blood, the tuber is soaked in warm water, which is drunk, or tea is made from leaves to clear furuncles [Balick et al 1577 (CEN)]. A number of significant and interesting studies on chemical and medicinal properties of J. elliptica can be found on the Web.

    Jatropha elliptica is a variable species with ranges of plant heights (those of Mato Grosso do Sul, to 2 m); leaf sizes and shapes (lanceolate in Bahia and widely elliptic-ovate elsewhere); and flower colors (solid colors of purple, red, yellow, or green; striated; margins with pink or yellow; or cream-color with red center). Such diversity has resulted in recognition of several species. The multiplicity of characteristics was probably the reason for McVaugh’s (1945b) hesitation to include the species in his key. In addition, Chodat and Hassler (1905) recognized J. elliptica var. guaranitica based on a single, somewhat pubescent, Paraguayan specimen. This does not appear to be sufficient justification for recognition of a distinct variety.

    Growth, development, and phenology of J. elliptica have been studied by Silva et al. (1998) and Añez et al (2005).

    Jatropha elliptica has not been lectotypified until now. Two collections, Pohl 1662 & 2356, together with collections by others were mentioned by Martius (1827) but without notation as to type. Pohl 1662 specimens (F, K, NY) all originated from herb. Mus. Vindob. (W). Pohl’s duplicate of 1662 at K (#1867) was annotated by Martius as J. officinalis. One of the two specimens (Brazil, Prov. Piauhy, 1841, G. Gardner 2764) at K is considered a type but without a specific epithet, and the one at P (#712268) is designated as an isotype of J. officinalis. Martius designated Pohl 1662 as the type of J. officinalis; hence, it cannot also be considered the type of J. elliptica, which had already been fully described by Müller Argoviensis [Prodr.(DC). 15 (2). 1089. 1826], The specimen at P was annotated by Croizat as illegitimate and superfluous. Pax (1910) cited Pohl 1662 & 2356, both of which were apparently at Herb. Mus. Vindob., but Pohl 2356 is not listed at W, and I have not been able to ascertain its current location. Hence, the specimen Pohl 1662 [(K-1854), K252699], which seems to have been annotated by Pohl himself as Adenoropium ellipticum, is here designated as the lectotype.

  • Distribution

    Contiguous southwestern Brazilian states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Goiás and adjacent areas of southeastern Bolivia and northeastern Paraguay on sandy soil of dry cerrado. There is also a disjunct population in the state of Bahia. Flowering and fruiting during active growth in spring and summer.

    Bahia Brazil South America| Goiás Brazil South America| Mato Grosso do Sul Brazil South America| Santa Cruz Bolivia South America| Amambay Paraguay South America| Central Paraguay South America| San Pedro Paraguay South America| Minas Gerais Brazil South America|