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NQ DRY TROPICS WEED FREE
BELLYACHE BUSH
Jatropha gossypiifolia
BELLYACHE BUSH
DESCRIPTION
This is an erect perennial shrub which usually grows to 1 metre ( rarely to 4 metres tall ) with a thick , sappy stem .
Leaves and stems are covered with coarse , sticky , brown hairs . Young leaves are purple , sticky and divided into 3 rounded lobes . Older leaves are bright green , about 10 centimetres wide with up to 5 lobes . Leaves are arranged on alternate areas of the stem . It is often confused with castor oil plant which is usually taller and has larger leaves , with more lobes ( 7 to 9 ) which are much more pointed .
Flowers are small , purple-red with yellow centres , clustered on stalks in leaf axils of upper foliage . It flowers all year round .
Fruit capsules are smooth , 3 lobed and oval shaped , about 12 millimetres across with 3 to 4 seeds .
Habitat It can be found on degraded lands , river banks and roadsides .
Weed characteristics is its competitive nature . It chokes native vegetation and smothers pasture growth . It takes over extensive sections of river frontage , reducing biodiversity and increasing mustering costs . Fruit is poisonous to humans and animals .
Dispersal seeds are spread by water .
BIOSECURITY MATTER
Restricted . This species is Category 3 Restricted matter under Queensland Legislation . This species is also listed a Weed of National Significance ( WONS )
SHRUBS
HOW TO ACT
Bellyache bush is easily treated by foliar spraying with the need to basal bark larger trees . Slashing or mechanical removal can assist with initial control of dense infestations . However as it is able to regrow from broken branches a combination of mechanical , fire and chemical methods is recommended . Fire can be highly effective where there is sufficient grass to carry a fire . Physical removal of individual plants or small infestation can be effective when care is taken that all plant material is removed .