Warning

For all ingestions seek urgent medical assistance.

Description

An ornamental shrub to 2m high. This plant is naturalised in the northern half of Queensland. The small flowers are dark red with bright yellow centres.

The leaves are deeply three-lobed, with the leaf stalks covered in coarse, sticky, dark brown hairs.

The ripe fruit splits open to release two or three black seeds.

Toxicity

  • Potentially toxic

  • Irritant to skin or eyes

Symptoms

Symptoms may be delayed an hour or longer, and include abdominal pain, a burning sensation in the throat, nausea, vomiting and profuse diarrhoea. Dehydration and bleeding from the gut may follow. Flushed skin, dilated pupils, dry skin and mouth and increased heart rate may occur.

Images

Bellyache bush flowers
Photo by Dr. Paul Forster
Bellyache bush shrub
Photo by Dr. Paul Forster

Details

Common name: Bellyache bush

Botanical nameJatropha gossypiifolia

Other common names: Cotton-leaf physic nut

Family: Euphorbiaceae

General description: An ornamental shrub to 2m high. This plant is naturalised in the northern half of Queensland.

Flowers: The small flowers are dark red with bright yellow centres.

Leaves: The leaves are deeply three-lobed, with the leaf stalks covered in coarse, sticky, dark brown hairs.

Fruit/Berries: The ripe fruit splits open to release two or three black seeds.

Other: The sap may cause contact dermatitis and eye inflammation

Last updated: November 2024