Bellyache Bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia)
Bellyache bush flower and fruit
Bellyache bush is declared a Class B (growth and spread to be controlled) and Class C (not to be introduced to the Northern Territory) weed in accordance with the NT Weeds Management Act 2001.
Bellyache bush can form dense, impenetrable thickets which can hinder mustering, obscure fence lines and restrict the growth of other native plants.
Regeneration occurs from seed and cuttings. The pods explode when ripe, spreading seed up to 13 metres from the parent plant. Ripe fruits are buoyant, allowing bellyache bush to disperse along water corridors and catchments. Meat ants are known to transport seed and assist germination by removing a tiny outgrowth on seed coats known as a caruncle. Pods and seeds may also be spread by vehicles, machinery, clothing, livestock and feral animals.
There are two distinct strains of bellyache bush present in the Northern Territory: the ‘Darwin Purple’ with predominantly purple/red foliage and the ‘Katherine Green’ with green foliage.
The seed sucking jewel bug Agonosoma trilineatum was identified as a promising biocontrol agent for bellyache bush. This beetle restricts the spread of bellyache bush by dissolving and then consuming the contents of the seed, making it unviable. Unfortunately, in Australian trials, there have been difficulties in sustaining jewel bug populations over prolonged time periods. Further investigation is required to determine the cause. For more information on the biological control of bellyache bush please click here.
Biological control work on bellyache bush
