The Plant Behind the Bubble Craze: A True Story
Videos on social media have amazed millions around the world. Initially thought to be fake, it turns out there's a real plant you can use to create 'bubbles'.
Recent videos shared on social media have managed to amaze millions of viewers worldwide.
In these clips, two young women from different countries demonstrate how they stand by a huge shrub with leaves resembling the size and appearance of poplar leaves. They break the part between the stem and the leaf, using it to create 'bubbles' just like the ones made with soap and a wand.
Initially, millions believed these videos were fabricated, but as more clips surfaced, it became clear this was a completely real plant named Jatropha curcas, commonly known as the Barbados nut.
So, what else did we uncover about this fascinating plant? Here are a few facts that will intrigue you too:
- It belongs to the tropical tree family Euphorbiaceae.
- They predominantly grow in Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
- The 'bubbles' are made from the plant's sap, a common trait in many plants, including ones we know like the fig.
American botanist Emily Magnagy explains that the sap is rich in a foaming substance called 'saponin', also found in many legume seeds.
- Saponin is also a source for producing organic fuel.
- These leaves can be toxic and may cause eye and skin inflammation if they come in contact. Here are some more pictures of this intriguing phenomenon:
The shrub in question
The woman picks a leaf and breaks it
Blowing the 'bubbles' into the air
Isn't the wonder of creation amazing?
