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Central QLD Coast Landcare Network

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BELLYACHE BUSH, COTTON-LEAVED PHYSIC NUT (WEED)

Jatropha gossypiifolia, Fam. Euphorbiaceae


Squat erect thick-stemmed perennial shrub 2.5-4 m tall. Stems have course sticky glandular hairs.

Form or habit: Shrub or small tree
Latex: Euphorbiaceae
Leaf: Simple Alternate
Young leaves deeply divided into three rounded lobes, purple, sticky, prominent gland-tipped margins. Mature leaves alternate, bright green, about 100mm in diameter, 3-5 lobes, margins covered in coarse, dark brown hairs.
Flower conspicuous: Conspicuous
Flower colour: Red petals and yellow centre
Flower description: Small with red petals and yellow centre, about 4mm across, borne in clusters on upper parts of plant.
Fruit conspicuous: Conspicuous
Fruit colour: Brown
Fruit: Dry
Fruit description: Oval 3-lobed capsules, about 12 x 10mm, containing 3-4 oblong seeds about 8mm long, that are explosively expelled at maturity
Habitat: Woodland
Distribution Distribution information
Food source for: Who eats it
Toxicity: Toxic if ingested, potential allergen, toxic or irritant to domestic pets,Toxic to native animals
Origin: Tropical America
Weed: Yes
Weed status: Environmental/garden escapee, category 3 restricted invasive
Notes: Spread by: Seeds ‘fired’ up to 12m from parent plants, spread by water and in contaminated soil on machinery and vehicles. Tuberous roots produce suckers, especially after any disturbance. Invades/threats: Disturbed areas, native vegetation, pastures. Notes: Introduced as a garden ornamental; now a major weed of North Queensland, forming dense thickets. To date only recorded from 2 small populations this region – The Slade Point Reserve and Grass Tree area. May still be present in older gardens. Used medicinally and for oil overseas but poisonous to humans and stock. Category 3 restrictive invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. It must not be given away, sold, or released into the environment without a permit. The Act requires everyone to take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risks associated with invasive plants and animals under their control. This is called a general biosecurity obligation (GBO).
Information sources: Mackay Regional Pest Management Group (2011) Weeds of the Mackay Whitsunday Region.

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