Discover Nature at JCU Plants Plants by common name A-L Jatropha podagrica

Jatropha podagrica

Jatropha podagrica

(Gout plant, Buddha belly plant, Coral plant)

FAMILY

Euphorbiaceae

Species

Jatropha podagrica

Common name(s)

Gout plant, Buddha belly plant, Coral plant

Flower colour; life form

Red; subshrub

Campus

Townsville

Description

This stem of this plant is swollen at the base, hence the main common names. There are a few large lobed leaves at the top of the stem. The bright red flowers are clustered at the top of a stout stalk. Fruits 3-lobed, dehiscence is explosive. All parts of the plant are poisonous but particularly the seeds and the sap which is milky. Flowers present most of the year.