Jatropha gossypifolia is similar to J. curcas but the leaf stalks are covered with coarse dark brown hairs and the young leaves are sticky. The capsular fruit contains three tiny brown seeds. All parts are considered toxic but in particular the seeds. Jatropha is an ornamental plant naturalised in many tropical areas. The roots, stems, leaves seeds and fruits of the plant have been widely used in traditional folk medicine in many parts of West Africa.
Similar plants: