Jatropha podagrica

Jatropha podagrica
File:BASBotanicalGarden.jpg
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Malpighiales
Family:	Euphorbiaceae
Genus:	Jatropha
Species:	Jatropha podagrica
Binomial name
Jatropha podagrica Hook.

Jatropha podagrica is a species of plants known by several English common names, including Buddha belly plant, bottleplant shrub, gout plant, purging-nut, Guatemalan rhubarb, and goutystalk nettlespurge. It is native to the tropical Americas but it is propagated as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world.

The stem is swollen into vasculum at the base and filled with thin sap. The plant bears bright red coral-like flowers throughout the year. All parts, especially the seeds, of the plant contain the toxic curcin, making it poisonous.

Jatropha podagrica is also known for its incredible ability to attract a variety of butterflies wherever it is grown.

Galleries

• Jatropha podagrica.JPG

  Buddha belly plant from Pondicherry

• Flowers I IMG 9716.jpg

  Flower of jatropha podagrica

• Jatropha-podagrica-8- 1200.jpg

  Close-up of Jatropha podagrica

• Jatropha-podagrica-6- 1200.jpg

  Fruit of Jatropha podagrica

• Jatropha-podagrica.jpg

  Flower of Jatropha podagrica

External links

• InChem: J. podagrica
• USDA Plants Profile
• GRIN Species Profile
• Botany Photo of the Day
• Flora of China