Euphorbiaceae

Jatropha gossypiifolia

Common Names: Bellyache bush

Plant Form: Erect deciduous shrub or tree. Size: Up to 4 m tall. Stem: Young stems are purplish and hairy, older are softly woody, thick and succulent with a soapy sap. Leaves: 10-15 cm long with 3 or 5 deep lobes, and on long stalks. Purplish with sticky hairs when young, turning green with age. Flowers: Small and in loose branched clusters at the tip of stems 10-15 cm long. Purple to red with 5 petals. Fruit and Seeds: Three lobed hairy oval or oblong capsules, green to brown as they mature. Habitat: Drier tropical or subtropical areas, forests, waterways and disturbed areas. Distinguishing Features: Distinguished from Physic nut (Jatropha curcas) and Castor oil plant (Ricinus communis) by sticky hairs on young stems and leaves. Impacts: Forms impenetrable thickets. Poisonous to livestock and habitat for feral animals.

New growth usually red

Infestations usually reddish

green form also occurs

leaf stalks have round-tipped hairs

Flowers and fruit

Stems are thick