Buddha belly plant (Engl.)

Buddha belly plant (Engl.)

Jatropha podagrica Hook.

Kidney

Succulent or sub-woody shrub Height: Growing to a height of 0.5 to 1 meter Leaves: Leaves are peltate, glossy green adaxially, gray-green abaxially, margins entire, wavy, or shallowly 3- to 5-lobed, 6 to 8 palmate veins, up to 12 inches in diameter, with a stout stalk attached on the underside of the leaf. Flowers: Flowers are small, bright red or orange-red, and coral-like clusters at the tip of a long red stalk. Fruits: Fruits are capsules, ellipsoidal, about 1.5 centimeters , with 3 longitudinal grooves, initially green and fleshy, maturing to dark brown and explosively dehiscent to yield 2 to 3 black seeds, scattering them 3 to 4 meters away.

Medicinal Uses & Benefits

Kidney trouble; rheumatism. Preparation: Get the roots and wash it. Expose the roots into the sun to make it dry. Finely chop the roots into small pieces and put these in a bottle. Add wine, tanduay or any other wine depending upon the preference of the person.. Part used: Roots

Preparation

Get the roots and wash it. Expose the roots into the sun to make it dry. Finely chop the roots into small pieces and put these in a bottle. Add wine, tanduay or any other wine depending upon the preference of the person.

Location & Habitat

REGION VII (CENTRAL VISAYAS), SIQUIJOR, SIQUIJOR (Capital), Backyard or garden

Research

Siquijor State College: Documentation of Philippine Traditional Knowledge and Practices in Health and Development of Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (Folk Healing Practices of Siquijor Island) Phase 1

Additional Images

Buddha belly plant (Engl.)
Buddha belly plant (Engl.)
Buddha belly plant (Engl.)
Buddha belly plant (Engl.)

Quick Info

Scientific Name
Jatropha podagrica Hook.
Local Name
Buddha belly plant (Engl.)
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Category
Kidney
Collected By
Not provided
Date Collected
Jun 28, 2026