Jatropha podagrica
Encyclopedia
Jatropha podagrica is a species of plant known by several English common names, including Buddha belly plant, 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. The plant contains 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.
Ornamental plant
Ornamental plants are plants that are grown for decorative purposes in gardens and landscape design projects, as house plants, for cut flowers and specimen display...
in many parts of the world.
The stem is swollen into vasculum
Vasculum
A vasculum is a container used by botanists to keep field samples viable by maintaining a cool, humid environment. Vascula are typically flattened tin cylinders, carried horizontally on a strap so that specimens lie flat and lined with moistened cloth....
at the base and filled with thin sap. The plant bears bright red coral-like flowers throughout the year. The plant contains the toxic curcin, making it poisonous
Toxin
A toxin is a poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms; man-made substances created by artificial processes are thus excluded...
.
Jatropha podagrica is also known for its incredible ability to attract a variety of butterflies wherever it is grown.