Jatropha cardiophylla
Heartleaf limberbush, Sange de drago, Sange de cristo
Jatropha cinerea (Jatropha canescens, J. giffordiana)
Ashy limberbush, Sangre de drago, Lomboy
Jatropha cuneata (Jatropha spathulata)
Limberbush, Leatherplant, Sangre de drago, Torote
Jatropha macrorhiza
Nettlespurge
Euphorbiaceae – Spurge family
Description
Jatropha cardiophylla is a curious looking plant, as are most others of the genera. This small bush has numerous, extremely flexible, wand-like stems arising from its base. Typically, the stem bark is reddish-brown. The heart-shaped, triangular leaves form in groupings along the stem. They are shiny, wider than long and have rounded teeth. The small, white tubular flowers hang delicately from the upper stems, followed by a small, rounded, encased seed. Quite possibly the most unique characteristic of many Jatrophas throughout the southwest, is their distinctive sap. When a branch is clipped at the base, a deep reddish-brown sap exudes covering the wound, looking surprisingly blood-like.
Jatropha cinerea is a tall plant with yellowish-brown stem bark. When young the undersides of the ovate leaves are felty. J. cuneata is also a stout, many-branched shrub; unlike J. cardiophylla and J. cinerea, its leaves are wedge-shaped but like the others, its sap is blood red. J. macrorhiza, technically not a Limberbush-type, represents an entirely different growth morphology. Whereas the other Jatrophas are semi-woody perennials, Jatropha macrorhiza is herbaceous. Yearly, the plant’s above ground foliage dies back to the ground. From a large, thicken taproot, several 1-2 foot tall stems arise supporting large, palmately lobed dark green leaves. A three-celled fruit follows the small rose-pink flowers.
Distribution
Jatropha cardiophylla reaches its northern most limits just north of Tucson Arizona. From there it ranges south into sub tropical northern Mexico. From 2,000-3,000 feet look for the plant on rocky hillsides and foothills. In southern Arizona’s Senita basin, J. cinerea is found in isolated pockets. From this point, the plant is found south to Mexico, between sea level and 2,400 feet, on plains, hills and along washes. It is not recommended to collect this species in the United States because of its limited distribution. J. cuneata is found along with the previously described species, but is of larger distribution. Look for the plant among gravely flats and slopes from southern Yuma and southwestern Pima County Arizona and south into Mexico. Look for J. macrorhiza from 3,500-7,500 feet throughout southern Arizona and New Mexico, south to Mexico on hillsides, slopes and mesas. Inmortal is common companion plant.
Chemistry
Condensed and hydrolyzable tannins
Medicinal Uses
All varieties of Limberbush are extremely astringent. The roots by weight contain approximately 5% tannic acid. The dominant phenol group, which tannic acid belongs to, is generally called hydrolyzable tannins. They are the reason why these plants are able to tan hides. When in contact with cellular protein structures hydrolyzable tannins constrict, tighten and alter these surfaces. Like Cañaigre, therapeutic use of Limberbush is somewhat limited, due to its drastic effect on cell surfaces over time.
Externally use the fresh sap or stem poultice to soothe and astringe burns, bites and stings. Its use on weepy rashes and hive outbreaks is also of some value. Internally Limberbush tea is used to quell acute diarrhea; it is a purely symptomatic gastrointestinal astringent. The tea can also be gargled for mouth sores, spongy and bleeding gums.
Jatropha macrorhiza has a similar array of tannins, but also strongly purgative compounds. Liken its effect to very strong Rhubarb. Enough J. macrorhiza to provide a laxative effect will almost surly elicit rebound constipation. Consider recognizing this plant for its visual beauty and not as a medicine.
Indications
Diarrhea
Skin eruptions, burns, cuts and stings (external)
Mouth sores, spongy and bleeding gums (gargle)
Collection
Clip several stems at the plant’s base; apply the sap as needed or cut into small ½-inch sections and dry.
Preparations and Dosage
Stem decoction: 2-4 ounces 2-3 times daily
Sap, stem poultice: externally as needed
Cautions
Use Limberbush internally for several days at a time. If used longer the plant may irritate the kidneys. Do not use during pregnancy due to the plants potential vasoconstrictive effect on uterine lining.
Other uses
Like Cañaigre, it is a plant to know about if attempting to tan hides the old way.