Plants

bellyache bush

Jatropha gossypiifolia L.

Family: Euphorbiaceae · Genus: Jatropha

black physicnut

Placenta II Low Mulch biomass 🪓 Coppices after cutting

bellyache bush — elawrey · CC BY · iNaturalist

Xerophytic shrub native to the Caatinga, cited by Rebello among plants that thrive in low-rainfall environments, alongside forage cactus and sisal. Reddish-purple leaves, oily seeds. Traditional folk medicine of NE Brazil (cicatrizing, anti-inflammatory latex). Toxic — not a fodder plant.

Götsch succession

Götsch stage: Placenta II
Ecological role: Pioneer
Primary stratum: Low
Strata: Low
Biomass class: Mulch biomass

Environment

Light requirement: Full sun
Water requirement: Low
Drought tolerance: High
Waterlogging tolerance: Low
Soil pH range: 6–7.5
Preferred soil texture: Sandy, Loamy

Morphology

Mature height: 1.5–3 m
Root system: Taproot
Root depth: Medium
Growth rate: Fast
Lifespan: 5–12 years

Biomes & climate

Caatinga Native

Köppen classes

Hot semi-arid (BSh) Suitable
Hot desert (BWh) Suitable
Tropical savanna with dry winter (Aw) Suitable

Where it fits in a guild

Bellyache bush takes the Low stratum in the Placenta II phase of succession — in a guild it shares the line with species from the other strata, each harvesting light at its own height, in its own time.

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🪴 Cultivation

Perennial, easily grown shrub reaching 2.5–4 m. Propagated mainly by seed and secondarily by stem cuttings. Adapts to poor, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH ~6.0–7.5), preferring organic-rich sandy loam. Hardy and drought-tolerant. Native to the Americas, it is invasive in over 50 countries (rangelands and riparian zones) through fast flowering and seed set — manage volunteer regeneration.