Family: Euphorbiaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Jatropha gossypiifolia, commonly known as belly-ache bush, is native to tropical regions of the Americas but is now widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas around the world. This fast-growing shrub or small tree is recognizable by its deeply lobed, often purplish leaves, sticky glandular hairs, and clusters of small dark red flowers. It produces capsule-like fruits containing several seeds. Belly-ache bush has been used in traditional medicine and as an ornamental plant due to its striking foliage, but all parts of the plant are toxic and should be handled with caution.

Risks & Threats
Belly-ache bush is naturalized on Oʻahu and poses a high risk to Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems. It reproduces readily by seed and can form dense thickets that outcompete native vegetation, especially in disturbed areas, pastures, and along waterways. Its toxicity makes it unpalatable to livestock and potentially harmful to people and animals. This species possesses traits that are cause for concern, including rapid growth, high seed production, and adaptability to a range of conditions, allowing it to spread aggressively. If left unmanaged, it could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems by displacing native plants and altering habitat structure. For these reasons, it is recommended to avoid planting belly-ache bush and instead choose a low-risk or native alternative for landscaping.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized outside native range
  
• Grows in tropical/subtropical climates
  
• Repeated introductions outside native range
  
• Garden, disturbance, and agricultural weed
  
• Congeneric weeds exist (e.g., J. curcas)
  
• Unpalatable to livestock
  
• Toxic to animals and humans
  
• Host for pests/pathogens
  
• Forms dense thickets
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Hybridizes naturally
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Minimum generative time ~1 year
  
• Intentional dispersal by people
  
• Dispersal as produce contaminant (topsoil)
  
• Water-dispersed seeds (floating pods)
  
• Persistent seed bank (>1 year, up to 15 years)
  
• Tolerates wide range of soils

Low Risk Traits:

• Not shade tolerant
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• No vegetative fragmentation
  
• No wind or external animal dispersal
  
• Not a prolific seed producer
  
• Well controlled by herbicides
  
• Killed by cutting at ground level (especially summer) and fire