Flolape

Bellyache bush

Jatropha gossypiifolia L.
Bellyache bush
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)

Jatropha gossypiifolia, known as bellyache bush, is a species in the Euphorbiaceae family. It is native to Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean but has spread to many tropical regions. It is considered a noxious weed in Puerto Rico and a declared pest in northern Australia. The plant grows up to 4 m tall, with three-lobed leaves that change from purple and sticky when young to bright green with age. It produces small red flowers with yellow centers and poisonous, cherry-sized seed pods. Powdery mildew has been reported as a fungal disease affecting this species.

Description

Jatropha gossypiifolia is a flowering plant in the Euphorbiaceae family, commonly called bellyache bush. It is native to Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean, but has been introduced to many tropical areas worldwide. The plant can grow up to 4 m in height, with three-lobed leaves that are initially purple and sticky, turning bright green as they mature. Its flowers are small, red with yellow centers, and grow in clusters. These are followed by poisonous seed pods. It is considered a noxious weed in Puerto Rico and is listed as a Class 2 declared pest in northern Australia. Powdery mildew is a reported fungal disease affecting this species.

Other common names

Bellyache bushcotton-leaf physicnutbellyache-bushblack physicnutPandouPhysic NutPonduOil Nut Tree

Distribution

Complejo Humedales Hato Corozal. Cienaga Zapatosa · Amazonas, Antioquia, Atlántico, Bolívar, Boyacá, Casanare, Cauca, Cesar, Chocó, Cundinamarca, Guainía, Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Nariño, Norte de Santander, San Andrés y Providencia, Santander, Sucre, Tolima, Valle del Cauca · BR · Subregiones: Enclaves subxerofíticos · Manaure | Riohacha · Vía Parque Isla de Salamanca · ZA · BN · NP · Yap · PW · KH · CD · BW · TD · TH · BF · FM · VN · MU · Aratoca | Barrancabermeja | Bucaramanga | Floridablanca | Jordán · NG · MW · ZW · TZ · CM · ID · IN · UG · MY

Synonyms

Manihot gossypiifoliaAdenoropium gossypiifoliumJatropha elegansJatropha gossypiifolia var. typica

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