Bellyache bush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bellyache bush |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Jatropha
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| Species: |
gossypiifolia
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The Jatropha gossypiifolia, often called bellyache bush, black physicnut, or cotton-leaf physicnut, is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the spurge family, known as Euphorbiaceae.
This plant originally comes from Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean islands. Today, you can find it growing in many tropical places around the world. In Puerto Rico, it's considered a noxious weed, which means it's a harmful plant that grows where it's not wanted. It has also spread naturally in northern Australia, including Queensland, where it's listed as a Class 2 pest plant.
The bellyache bush can grow to be about 2.5 to 4 meters (8 to 13 feet) tall. Its leaves are special: when they are young, they are purple and a bit sticky, but as they get older, they turn bright green. The plant produces small red flowers with yellow centers that grow in clusters. After the flowers, cherry-sized seed pods appear. It's important to know that these seed pods, and other parts of the plant, are poisonous if eaten. Sometimes, a fungal disease called powdery mildew can affect this plant.
This plant has many different names around the world. In English, besides bellyache bush, it's also called black physicnut and cotton-leaf physicnut. In Spanish, it's known as pinon negro, pinon colorado, and tua-tua. In French, people call it medicinier noir and medicinier rouge. In Brazil, it's mamoninha and peao-roxo. In Thailand, it's jarak ulung, and in India, it's jarak merah and sibidigua.
Cool Uses of the Bellyache Bush
People have used different parts of the Jatropha gossypiifolia plant in traditional medicine for a long time. They use its leaves, stems, roots, seeds, and even its milky sap (latex). These parts can be made into teas (infusions), boiled liquids (decoctions), or soaked mixtures (macerations).
People have used it for many things, like helping with high blood pressure, reducing swelling, and easing pain. It has also been used to help with snake bites, fevers, and even to help wounds heal.
Besides its traditional uses, the bellyache bush has other interesting purposes:
- It can be used to make biodiesel, which is a type of fuel.
- It can act as a natural pesticide or insecticide to control pests.
- It can also be used as a vermifuge, which helps get rid of worms.
- Sometimes, it's grown just for its beauty as an ornamental plant.
- In some cultures, it's even used in religious ceremonies.
Image Gallery
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Jatropha gossypiifolia
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Jatropha gossypiifolia flowers
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Jatropha gossypiifolia leaf flowers and fruits
See also
- In Spanish: Frailecillo de Cuba para niños
