Jatropha podagrica (Buddha Belly Plant, Buddha Belly, Bottleplant Shrub, Bottle Euphorbia, Purgingnut, Gout Plant, Gout Stick, Purging Nut, Guatemalan Rhubarb, Guatemala Rhubarb, White Rhubarb, Goutystalk Nettlespurge, Tartogo)


Botanical Information

FamilyEuphorbiaceae
GenusJatropha
Speciespodagrica
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
OriginNative to Mexico (Chiapas, Oaxaca, Veracruz), Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone10a - 11b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH3 - H1c
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)?1.1 - +7.2
Temperature (°F)30 - 45
Height2.4 - 3 m

Description and Growing Information

LandscapeUse it as an accent, in a mixed shrub border, container plant on the patio or at poolside. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
CultivationGrow in a humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade with shelter from wind.
Notable SpecimensQueen Sirikit Botanic Garden, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
Bark/Stem DescriptionA swollen and knobby, grey-skinned stem.
Leaf DescriptionGreen, smooth, waxy leaves up 30 cm in diameter.
Flower DescriptionSmall, coral-like and bright red in colour.

Photographs