Jatropha podagrica

Common Names

Gout Plant, Buddha Belly Plant, Guatemala Rhubarb, Purging Nut, Bottle Euphorbia, Bottle Plant Shrub, Coral Plant, Tartogo, Guatemalan Rhubarb, Australian Bottle Plant, Bottle Plant, Gout Stick

Summary

Buddha Belly Plant is a caudiciform shrub native to tropical Americas, including Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua). It features a swollen bottle-shaped trunk that stores water, with large lobed leaves at the crown and clusters of bright orange-red flowers; blooms can occur year-round. Drought-tolerant and slow-growing, it is ornamental in containers or sheltered outdoor spots; all parts are toxic if ingested and sap can irritate skin.

Growth enjoys bright light on well-drained soil; water sparingly, allowing the top third of soil to dry between waterings, with reduced watering during dormancy in cooler periods and protection from frost. Propagation is by seeds or stem cuttings; commonly used in containers, rock gardens, or bright interiors as a focal specimen; toxicity precautions should be taken around children and pets.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1 ft 4 in - 6 ft 7 in

Spread

4-20 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10a-11b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining soil.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil that dries between waterings.

Soil pH

Tolerates all pH levels

Bloom Color

Red

Bloom Time

Year-round

Foliage Color

Green, upper surface bright to dark green, lower surface paler or gray-green, gray-green leaves, whitish beneath

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow growth; 5–10 years to reach ultimate height.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and butterflies