Jatropha gossypiifolia

Native from Mexico through tropical America, this plant is a deciduous shrub of seasonally dry tropical habitats. Its lobed leaves and stalks bear sticky glandular hairs, and small red to purple flowers grow in terminal clusters. Three-lobed capsules split open forcefully to scatter their seeds. Introduced to Australia as an ornamental, it has become invasive in northern regions, forming dense thickets that displace native vegetation and reduce pasture growth. All parts are toxic, especially the seeds, and the sap can irritate skin. Photographed in the department of Bolivar, Colombia.