Jatropha podagrica is a species of plants known by several English common names, including Buddha belly plant, bottleplant shrub, gout plant, purging-nut, Guatemalan rhubarb, and goutystalk nettlespurge. It is native to the tropical Americas but it is propagated as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world.
The stem is swollen into vasculum at the base and filled with thin sap. The plant bears bright red coral-like flowers throughout the year. All parts, especially the seeds, of the plant contain the toxic curcin, making it poisonous.
Jatropha podagrica is also known for its incredible ability to attract a variety of butterflies wherever it is grown.