Wednesday, March 26, 2008

ABC Wednesday - J

Buddha Belly Plant
Jatropha podagrica
(JAT-roh-fuh) (pod-AG-ree-kuh)
Synonym: Bottleplant Shrub, Goutystalk Nettlespurge

J is for Jatropha this week. Some of the plants in this genus are being studied for use in producing biodiesel. I don’t think this particular species is, it is primarily grown as an ornamental. It has a most unusual trunk that grows in the shape of a bottle. Unfortunately, when reviewing my pictures the one of the trunk didn’t come out. So here is a link if you want to see it.

They are easy to grow but must be grown in a container in all but the warmest of gardens (USDA Zone 10). I find the color of the flowers to be attractive but some might find them a bit garish, that is how bright they are. One of the nice things about this plant is can flower throughout the year. This native of Central America grows to about 4 feet and has leaves that are 10 inches across.


‘J’ is for Jade Plant (Crassula), too.

Here is the ABC Blogroll:

25 comments:

FO - 2 said...

Great shots of beautiful flowers. Your blog is a treat! :)))

Daryl said...

You always have the MOST amazing photos .. and so many I have heard of but never seen before .. wonderful!

Unknown said...

Amazing flower photos! Great deepth of field.

dot said...

I like the name of that first one!
The Japanese apricot is a beautiful photo also.

imac said...

Great capture for ABC

Anne-Berit said...

Great J-post,beautiful flowers:o)

DeeMom said...

Stunning pictures…

Babs (Beetle) said...

Beautiful photos!

mrsnesbitt said...

I loved the first one. Would make a wonderful Christmas Card.

Dx

Anonymous said...

Beautiful shots.

i beati said...

certainly looks different than my common jatropha

CanadianGardenJoy said...

Your pictures are always brilliant !
I love the Buddha Belly name : )
Joy

Lilli & Nevada said...

Beautiful color wish i had a green thumb

photowannabe said...

Beautiful flowering Jade and i love the other one too. You do great flower shots.

Mrs Mac said...

I think they're both beautiful. Are they richly scented, too? If so I want them. Even if i have to move.

;^)

VP said...

Just great!

Paulie said...

Loved learning about new plants to me! The Jatropha podagrica is sooooooo beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Oh! the red one, I love it!

Pernille said...

Beautiful flower and a nice J:) Great shot:)

Liz Hinds said...

Why Buddha Belly? It looks a litle like a fat tummy I suppose!

Anonymous said...

amazing shots!

Arlene,
Lakewood florist

Digital Flower Pictures said...

Thanks for everyone that stopped by. I am going to try and catch with some of the ABC blogs on Friday.

Neva said...

Trying to catch up and find everyone not on our lists!!!! a Buddha belly plant...how cool is that?

kml said...

That is quite the name - Buddha Belly Plant!

Max-e said...

The Jatropha has a beautiful flower. I belive it is being successfully grown in a project in Mali. The oil is being extracted and used as fuel in diesel generators, in some of the small remote villges, where they have not had electricity before.