Jatropha podagrica Hook
Gout Plant / Jarak buncit/Jarak bunting (M.)
Description
Traditional Medicinal Uses
Ecology
Propagation
Distribution
Precaution
Perennial erect shrub that can grow up to 2 m tall. Leaves are simple, glabrous, shallowly 2-6 lobed, leathery, adaxially dark green and abaxially greenish-grey. Leaf blade is peltate to elliptic, obtuse at apex, truncate or obtuse at base with entire margin and palmate venation. Stems are woody, fleshy, stout and swollen at the base. Inflorescence a terminal cyme. Flowers are pinkish- orange to red and arranged in a flat- top. Fruit a fleshy, globose, dehiscent, brown capsule that contains few
Locally, root decoction and infusion of leaves and flowers are taken orally to maintain general health. Antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, antiplasmodial, cytotoxic, anti- inflammatory and antiulcer activities are
It is commonly found in disturbed sites, in mixed dipterocarp forests, along roadsides and near streams. It prefers sandy clay soil under full sunlight to partial shade.
Seed.
Native to tropical America.
None