Jatropha

Plant Characteristics

Cultivation

Scientific Names
Euphorbiaceae >	Jatropha >

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Jatropha is a genus of approximately 175 succulent plants, shrubs and trees (some are deciduous, like Jatropha curcas L.), from the family Euphorbiaceae. The name is derived from Greek, and has the common name physic nut. Jatropha is native to Central America^[1] and has become naturalized in many tropical and subtropical areas, including India, Africa, and North America. Originating in the Caribbean, Jatropha was spread as a valuable hedge plant to Africa and Asia by Portuguese traders. The mature small trees bear separate male and female flowers, and do not grow very tall. As with many members of the family Euphorbiaceae, Jatropha contains compounds that are highly toxic.

The hardy Jatropha is resistant to drought and pests, and produces seeds containing 27-40% oil.

Cultivation

Outdoors: likes moderately rich soil, with humus, and some grit for good drainage. Plant in full sun.

Indoors under glass: 2 parts potting mix (soil based) to one part grit and one part leaf mold. Give strong light, but protect from hot sun under glass. Water moderately in Spring/Summer, with monthly fertilizer, and keep very dry in Fall/Winter.

Propagation

Seed should be sown in Spring or Summer at 74F (25C).

Pests and diseases

Susceptible to mushroom root rot, rust, fungal leaf spot, scale insects, mealybugs.

Species

Jatropha gossipifolia in Hyderabad, India.

Jatropha multifida

Jatropha podagrica in Hyderabad, India.

Species of Jatropha include:

Jatropha cuneata limberbush, whose stems are used for basketmaking by the Seri people in Sonora, Mexico, who call it haat (Template:Pron). The stems are roasted, split and soaked through an elaborate process. The reddish color dye that is often used is made from the root of another plant species, Krameria grayi.
Jatropha curcas, also known as physic nut, piñoncillo and Habb-El-Melúk, is used to produce the non-edible Jatropha oil, for making candles and soap, and as a feedstock for producing biodiesel. Prior to pressing, the seed can be shelled with the Universal Nut Sheller which reduces the arduous task of removing the seeds from the shell by hand. Once the seeds have been pressed, the remaining cake can be used as feed in digesters and gasifiers to produce biogas for cooking and in engines, or be used for fertilizing, and sometimes even as animal fodder. The whole seed (with oil) can also be used in digesters to produce biogas. Large plantings and nurseries have been undertaken in India by many research institutions, and by women's self-help groups who use a system of microcredit to ease poverty among semi-literate Indian women.
Jatropha gossypifolia, also called bellyache bush: its fruits and foliage are toxic to humans and animals. It is a major weed in Australia.
Jatropha integerrima Jacq., or spicy jatropha: ornamental in the tropics, continuously crimson, flowers almost all year.
Jatropha multifida L., or coral plant: bright red flowers, like red coral, charactertised by strongly incised leaves.
Jatropha podagrica or buddha belly plant or bottleplant shrub was used to tan leather and produce a red dye in Mexico and the Southwestern United States. It is also used as a house plant.

Synonyms -- This genus is also known as:

Adenorhopium Rchb.
Adenoropium Pohl
Aamanakku / Kaattaamanakku Tamil, India
Castiglionia Ruiz & Pav.
Collenucia Chiov.
Curcas Adans.
Jarak Indonesia
Jatropa Scop., orth. var.
Loureira Cav.
Mesandrinia Raf.
Mesandrinia Ortega
Zimapania Engl. & Pax
Nkran Dedua
Pourghère French term
Pulga
Tempate

Toxicity

Characteristic of many members of the family Euphorbiaceae, Jatropha plants contain several toxic compounds, including lectin, saponin, carcinogenic phorbol, and a trypsin inhibitor. Despite this, the seeds are occasionally eaten after roasting, which reduces some of the toxicity. Its sap is a skin irritant, and ingesting as few as three untreated seeds can be fatal to humans. In 2005 Western Australia banned Jatropha gossypifolia as invasive and highly toxic to people and animals.