Family: Euphorbiaceae
Scientific name: Jatropha podagrica
Common name: Buddha Belly plant
Origin: Central America

This unusual succulent forms a thick, belly-shaped stem and striking red-yellow flowers. In nature the flowers are pollinated by butterflies, after which small green fruits are formed that burst open with force when ripe. This 'explosion' can cause the seeds to land up to 4 meters from the plant. Relatively large, umbrella-shaped leaves grow on the thickened stem. In the rainforest of Central America, the plant can reach a height of up to 2 meters, but as a houseplant it remains much smaller. 

Provide a bright location without direct sunlight and a well-drained soil. Because the plant stores water in its stem, it can withstand drought well. However, it is advisable to water the plant as soon as the soil is dry. In a dry period, the plant may lose its leaves, which will then grow back on their own.

Note that all parts of the plant are poisonous. They contain a white milky juice, like many species in the Euphorbiaceae family.  

Sowing directions: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours, then sow in a mixture of seed and cutting soil and sand (1:1). Keep soil constantly slightly moist and cover with foil or glass for that purpose. Germination within a few weeks at 20-25 deg C, but can sometimes take longer. 

Sowing period: Whole year
Difficulty: Easy
Minimum temperature: 5 degrees Celsius