How does the bellyache bush spread its seeds?
Dispersion and germination are the ways in which the bellyache bush spread seeds.Specifically, the bush (Jatropha gissypiifolia) has pods which ripen into many seeds. The pods have been known to explode and eject seed as far as 42 feet (12.80 meters) away. Ants, livestock, people (through clothing, equipment, and vehicles), weather (rains, winds), and wild animals number among the dispersion agents.The seed will not be spread by the seed-sucking jewel bug (Agonosoma trilineatum), which is an effective, seed-dissolving and devouring biocontrol of the bellyache bush.