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(Jatropha gossypiifolia)
Bellyache Bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia)
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Marcelo Cava
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Marcelo Cava
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Marcelo Cava | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Marcelo Cava | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Jatropha gossypiifolia, commonly known as Bellyache Bush, is an evergreen or semi-deciduous shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions, including forests, savannahs, and scrublands in South America’s Northern Regions, as well as Central America and Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 2.5–4 m (8.2–13.1 ft). The plant’s distinctive three-lobed leaves are purple and sticky when young, transitioning to bright green as they mature. The small, showy red flowers with yellow centers bloom in clusters primarily during the winter and summer months, attracting pollinators. These flowers give way to cherry-sized seed pods that contain toxic seeds and should be handled with care.
Bellyache Bush is noted for its ornamental foliage and flowers, which can add color and interest to tropical and subtropical gardens. It is often used for hedging or as a feature plant in urban landscapes. This shrub requires full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and should be monitored for signs of this fungal disease. Gardeners should be aware of its potential invasiveness; it has become a problematic invasive species in regions like the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean. Cultivation outside its native range should be approached with caution, and local regulations should be consulted.CC BY-SA 4.0
Bellyache Bush is noted for its ornamental foliage and flowers, which can add color and interest to tropical and subtropical gardens. It is often used for hedging or as a feature plant in urban landscapes. This shrub requires full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and should be monitored for signs of this fungal disease. Gardeners should be aware of its potential invasiveness; it has become a problematic invasive species in regions like the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean. Cultivation outside its native range should be approached with caution, and local regulations should be consulted.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrubs
- Height: 3-9 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red
- Flowering Season: Summer, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden
Natural Habitat
native to tropical and subtropical regions, including forests, savannahs, and scrublands in South America’s Northern Regions, as well as Central America and Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Cotton-Leaf Physicnut , Bellyache-Bush , Black Physicnut , Piñón Negro , Erva Purgante , Mamoninha , Erva-Purgante , Peão-Roxo , Pião-Roxo , Pinhão-Roxo
Scientific Names: Jatropha gossypiifolia , Adenoropium gossypiifolium , Jatropha gossypiifolia var. typica , Manihot gossypiifolia
GBIF Accepted Name: Jatropha gossypiifolia L.