Physic nut

Scientific name: Jatropha curcas
Declaration status: Class A

Physic nut is native from Mexico to Paraguay and to the Caribbean islands and is thought to have been introduced to Asia and Africa by Portuguese merchants in the 18th century.

It used to be considered a garden ornamental, but it has since been declared as a weed in the Northern Territory (NT) and in Queensland where it has now naturalised.

Two physic nut infestations have been recorded in the NT; one at Mt Wells near Pine Creek and the other at Kapalga. Both these infestations have been eradicated. It is drought resistant and will grow under a wide range of climatic and soil conditions, but is often found in disturbed areas.

For more information get the physic nut identification fact sheet PDF (643.6 KB).

Physic nut can have all of the following impacts:

  • seeds are toxic to humans, goats, sheep and calves
  • economic impacts from death of stock animals overseas
  • out-competes native plants in drought conditions
  • forms monocultures and dense impenetrable thickets
  • excludes native flora and fauna and disrupts ecosystem processes
  • may interrupt traditional owner’s cultural connections with the land and inhibit recreational activities such as hunting, camping and bushwalking.

You should use this as a guide. There may be other plants or weeds that look similar.

  • erect perennial shrub up to 4m high
  • spreading branches, grey bark with thick, sappy stems
  • smooth, dark green, round leaves with three to five lobes and five prominent veins that run across the leaf’s surface
  • yellow-green flowers that form in clusters on stalks in upper axils
  • fruit pods change from green to dark brown when ripe
  • split into three sections - each section releases one to three black, oblong seeds, 2cm long and 1cm wide.

Physic nut - stems Physic nut - leaves Physic nut - flowersPhysic nut - fruit and seedsPhysic nut - habit

If you are unsure, contact the Weed Management Branch .

Similar looking plants

The following plant species look similar to physic nut:

Bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia) is widespread across northern Australia.

Find out more information about bellyache bush

Bellyache bush - infestation

Castor oil plant (Ricinus communis) has leaves with seven to nine lobes and flowers in spikes.

Find out more information about castor oil plant

Castor oil plant

If you think you may have seen physic nut, or have this weed on your property, don't attempt to control it. Contact the Weed Management Branch immediately for assistance.

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