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{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = ''Jatropha''
| image = Belize3.jpg
| image_width = 250px
| image_caption = [[Spicy jatropha]] (''Jatropha integerrima'')
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Malpighiales]]
| familia = [[Euphorbiaceae]]
| subfamilia = [[Crotonoideae]]
| tribus = [[Jatropheae]]
| genus = '''''Jatropha'''''
| subdivision_ranks = [[Species]]
| subdivision =
Approximately 175, see [[Jatropha#Species|Section Species]].
}}
'''''Jatropha''''' is a [[genus]] of approximately 175 [[succulent plant]]s, [[shrub]]s and [[tree]]s (some are [[deciduous]], like ''Jatropha curcas'' L.), from the family [[Euphorbiaceae]]. ''Jatropha'' is native to Central America <ref name="Fairless ">{{cite journal|author=Fairless D.|year= 2007|title=Biofuel: The little shrub that could - maybe| journal=Nature|volume=449|pages=652-655}}</ref>, and has become [[Naturalisation (biology)|naturalized]] in many tropical and subtropical areas, including [[India]], [[Africa]], and [[North America]]. Originating in the [[Caribbean]], the jatropha was spread as a valuable [[hedge]] plant to Africa and [[Asia]] by [[Portugal|Portuguese]] traders. The mature small trees bear male and female [[inflorescence]], and do not grow very tall.
The hardy jatropha is resistant to [[drought]] and [[pest]]s, and produces [[seed]]s containing up to 40% oil. When the seeds are crushed and processed, the resulting oil can be used in a standard [[diesel engine]], while the residue can also be processed into [[biomass]] to power electricity plants.<ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article2155351.ece Poison plant could help to cure the planet] ''Times Online'', 28 July 2007.</ref>
[[Goldman Sachs]] recently cited ''[[Jatropha curcas]]'' as one of the best candidates for future biodiesel production.<ref>[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118788662080906716.html?mod=googlenews_wsj Jatropha Plant Gains Steam In Global Race for Biofuels]</ref> However, despite its abundance and use as an oil and [[Land reclamation|reclamation]] plant, none of the ''Jatropha'' species have been properly [[domestication|domesticated]] and, as a result, its productivity is variable, and the long-term impact of its large-scale use on soil quality and the environment is unknown. <ref name="Fairless"/>
== Vegoil and biodiesel ==
{{Main|Jatropha oil}}
<gallery>
Image:071027-07.jpg|''Jatropha curcas'' seedlings in a greenhouse in Nicaragua
</gallery>
Currently the oil from ''[[Jatropha curcas]]'' [[seed]]s is used for making [[biodiesel]] fuel in [[Philippines]], promoted by a law authored by Philippine senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Miguel Zubiri. Likewise, jatropha oil is being promoted as an easily grown biofuel crop in hundreds of projects throughout India and other developing countries. <ref name="Fairless"/> <ref>http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/news/default.asp?NewsID=75F25096-4E40-4437-B445-37AD534D033F</ref> The rail line between [[Mumbai]] and [[Delhi]] is planted with Jatropha and the train itself runs on 15-20% [[biodiesel]]. <ref name="Fairless"/> In Africa, cultivation of jatropha is being promoted and is grown successfully in countries such as Mali. <ref>{{cite news |first= |last= |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Mali’s Farmers Discover a Weed’s Potential Power |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/09/world/africa/09biofuel.html?em&ex=1189483200&en=b8f0eb75c65f04f3&ei=5087%0A |quote=But now that a plant called jatropha is being hailed by scientists and policy makers as a potentially ideal source of biofuel, a plant that can grow in marginal soil or beside food crops, that does not require a lot of fertilizer and yields many times as much biofuel per acre planted as corn and many other potential biofuels. By planting a row of jatropha for every seven rows of regular crops, Mr. Banani could double his income on the field in the first year and lose none of his usual yield from his field. |publisher=[[New York Times]] |date=[[September 9]], [[2007]] |accessdate=2007-08-21 }}</ref>
The plant can grow in [[wasteland]]s, fertilises the soil that it grows in, and yields more than four times as much fuel per hectare as soybean; more than ten times that of corn. A [[hectare]] of jatropha produces 1,892 liters of fuel (about 6.5 barrels per acre).<ref name=MIT>{{cite journal
| title=India's Big Plans for Biodiesel
| url=http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/17940/
| journal=Technology Review
| publisher=[[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]]
| date=[[December 27]] [[2006]]
| author=Michael Fitzgerald
| accessdate=2007-05-03
}}</ref>
Jatropha can also be [[intercropping|intercropped]] with other cash crops such as coffee, sugar, fruits and vegetables.<ref>[http://www.reuk.co.uk/Jatropha-for-Biodiesel-Figures.htm Jatropha for biodiesel]</ref>.
==Species==
[[Image:Jatropha4.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''Jatropha multifida'']]
Species of Jatropha include:
* ''[[Jatropha cuneata]]'' '''limberbush''', whose stems are used for basketmaking by the [[Seri people]] in [[Sonora]], [[Mexico]], who call it ''haat'' {{IPA|[ʔaat]}}. 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 called '''physic nut''', 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. This is historically done by hand. Once the seeds have been pressed, the remaining cake can be used as feed in [[digester]]s 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. Extracts have an anti-[[tumor]] activity. The seeds can be used as a remedy for [[constipation]], wounds can be dressed with the [[sap]], and the boiled leaves remedy [[malaria]] and [[fever]]. 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]]'' [[Nicolaus Joseph von Jacquin|Jacq.]], or '''Spicy jatropha''': ornamental in the tropics, continuously [[crimson]], flowers almost all year.
* ''[[Jatropha multifida]]'' [[Carolus Linnaeus|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 [[tanning|tan]] [[leather]] and produce a red [[dye]] in Mexico and the Southwestern [[United States]]. It is also used as a house plant.
===Gallery of Buddha Belly plant (''Jatropha podagrica'')===
<gallery>
Image:Trunk_I_IMG_9718.jpg|Trunk at Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Image:Leaves & flowers I IMG 9716.jpg|Leaves & flowers at Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Image:Fruit I IMG 9792.jpg|Fruit at Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Image:Flowers I IMG 9716.jpg|Flowers at Kolkata, West Bengal, India
</gallery>
== Synonyms ==
This genus is also known as:
* ''Adenorhopium'' <small>[[Rchb.]]</small>
* ''Adenoropium'' <small>[[Pohl]]</small>
* ''Castiglionia'' <small>[[Ruiz]] & [[Pav.]]</small>
* ''Collenucia'' <small>[[Chiov.]]</small>
* ''Curcas'' <small>[[Adans.]]</small>
* ''Jatropa'' <small>[[Scop.]]</small>, orth. var.
* ''Loureira'' <small>[[Cav.]]</small>
* ''Mesandrinia'' <small>[[Constantine Samuel Rafinesque-Schmaltz|Raf.]]</small>
* ''Mesandrinia'' <small>Ortega</small>
* ''Tempate'' <small>[[El Salvador]]; [[Nicaragua]]</small>
* ''Zimapania'' <small>[[Adolf Engler|Engl.]] & [[Ferdinand Albin Pax|Pax]]</small>
== See also ==
{{EnergyPortal}}
*[[Jatropha In India]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
{{external links|date=July 2007}}
{{Commons|Jatropha}}
*[http://www.reuk.co.uk/Jatropha-for-Biodiesel-Figures.htm Jatropha Facts and Figures]
*[http://www.jatropha.de/ An Integrated Approach of Rural Development in Tropical & Subtropical Countries].
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6278140.stm BBC News website article re. Jatropha and biofuels]
*[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article2155351.ece Times Online Article]
*[http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=49611 Brazil Opens its First Commercial Jatropha Biodiesel Facility]
*[http://www.jatrophaafrica.com/ Biodiesel producers in Africa].
*[http://www.agroils.com/ Agroils]
*[http://www.terasollabs.com/ Jatropha Plant Science]
[[Category:Euphorbiaceae]]
[[Category:Energy crops]]
| color = lightgreen
| name = ''Jatropha''
| image = Belize3.jpg
| image_width = 250px
| image_caption = [[Spicy jatropha]] (''Jatropha integerrima'')
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Malpighiales]]
| familia = [[Euphorbiaceae]]
| subfamilia = [[Crotonoideae]]
| tribus = [[Jatropheae]]
| genus = '''''Jatropha'''''
| subdivision_ranks = [[Species]]
| subdivision =
Approximately 175, see [[Jatropha#Species|Section Species]].
}}
'''''Jatropha''''' is a [[genus]] of approximately 175 [[succulent plant]]s, [[shrub]]s and [[tree]]s (some are [[deciduous]], like ''Jatropha curcas'' L.), from the family [[Euphorbiaceae]]. ''Jatropha'' is native to Central America <ref name="Fairless ">{{cite journal|author=Fairless D.|year= 2007|title=Biofuel: The little shrub that could - maybe| journal=Nature|volume=449|pages=652-655}}</ref>, and has become [[Naturalisation (biology)|naturalized]] in many tropical and subtropical areas, including [[India]], [[Africa]], and [[North America]]. Originating in the [[Caribbean]], the jatropha was spread as a valuable [[hedge]] plant to Africa and [[Asia]] by [[Portugal|Portuguese]] traders. The mature small trees bear male and female [[inflorescence]], and do not grow very tall.
The hardy jatropha is resistant to [[drought]] and [[pest]]s, and produces [[seed]]s containing up to 40% oil. When the seeds are crushed and processed, the resulting oil can be used in a standard [[diesel engine]], while the residue can also be processed into [[biomass]] to power electricity plants.<ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article2155351.ece Poison plant could help to cure the planet] ''Times Online'', 28 July 2007.</ref>
[[Goldman Sachs]] recently cited ''[[Jatropha curcas]]'' as one of the best candidates for future biodiesel production.<ref>[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118788662080906716.html?mod=googlenews_wsj Jatropha Plant Gains Steam In Global Race for Biofuels]</ref> However, despite its abundance and use as an oil and [[Land reclamation|reclamation]] plant, none of the ''Jatropha'' species have been properly [[domestication|domesticated]] and, as a result, its productivity is variable, and the long-term impact of its large-scale use on soil quality and the environment is unknown. <ref name="Fairless"/>
== Vegoil and biodiesel ==
{{Main|Jatropha oil}}
<gallery>
Image:071027-07.jpg|''Jatropha curcas'' seedlings in a greenhouse in Nicaragua
</gallery>
Currently the oil from ''[[Jatropha curcas]]'' [[seed]]s is used for making [[biodiesel]] fuel in [[Philippines]], promoted by a law authored by Philippine senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Miguel Zubiri. Likewise, jatropha oil is being promoted as an easily grown biofuel crop in hundreds of projects throughout India and other developing countries. <ref name="Fairless"/> <ref>http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/news/default.asp?NewsID=75F25096-4E40-4437-B445-37AD534D033F</ref> The rail line between [[Mumbai]] and [[Delhi]] is planted with Jatropha and the train itself runs on 15-20% [[biodiesel]]. <ref name="Fairless"/> In Africa, cultivation of jatropha is being promoted and is grown successfully in countries such as Mali. <ref>{{cite news |first= |last= |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Mali’s Farmers Discover a Weed’s Potential Power |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/09/world/africa/09biofuel.html?em&ex=1189483200&en=b8f0eb75c65f04f3&ei=5087%0A |quote=But now that a plant called jatropha is being hailed by scientists and policy makers as a potentially ideal source of biofuel, a plant that can grow in marginal soil or beside food crops, that does not require a lot of fertilizer and yields many times as much biofuel per acre planted as corn and many other potential biofuels. By planting a row of jatropha for every seven rows of regular crops, Mr. Banani could double his income on the field in the first year and lose none of his usual yield from his field. |publisher=[[New York Times]] |date=[[September 9]], [[2007]] |accessdate=2007-08-21 }}</ref>
The plant can grow in [[wasteland]]s, fertilises the soil that it grows in, and yields more than four times as much fuel per hectare as soybean; more than ten times that of corn. A [[hectare]] of jatropha produces 1,892 liters of fuel (about 6.5 barrels per acre).<ref name=MIT>{{cite journal
| title=India's Big Plans for Biodiesel
| url=http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/17940/
| journal=Technology Review
| publisher=[[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]]
| date=[[December 27]] [[2006]]
| author=Michael Fitzgerald
| accessdate=2007-05-03
}}</ref>
Jatropha can also be [[intercropping|intercropped]] with other cash crops such as coffee, sugar, fruits and vegetables.<ref>[http://www.reuk.co.uk/Jatropha-for-Biodiesel-Figures.htm Jatropha for biodiesel]</ref>.
==Species==
[[Image:Jatropha4.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''Jatropha multifida'']]
Species of Jatropha include:
* ''[[Jatropha cuneata]]'' '''limberbush''', whose stems are used for basketmaking by the [[Seri people]] in [[Sonora]], [[Mexico]], who call it ''haat'' {{IPA|[ʔaat]}}. 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 called '''physic nut''', 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. This is historically done by hand. Once the seeds have been pressed, the remaining cake can be used as feed in [[digester]]s 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. Extracts have an anti-[[tumor]] activity. The seeds can be used as a remedy for [[constipation]], wounds can be dressed with the [[sap]], and the boiled leaves remedy [[malaria]] and [[fever]]. 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]]'' [[Nicolaus Joseph von Jacquin|Jacq.]], or '''Spicy jatropha''': ornamental in the tropics, continuously [[crimson]], flowers almost all year.
* ''[[Jatropha multifida]]'' [[Carolus Linnaeus|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 [[tanning|tan]] [[leather]] and produce a red [[dye]] in Mexico and the Southwestern [[United States]]. It is also used as a house plant.
===Gallery of Buddha Belly plant (''Jatropha podagrica'')===
<gallery>
Image:Trunk_I_IMG_9718.jpg|Trunk at Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Image:Leaves & flowers I IMG 9716.jpg|Leaves & flowers at Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Image:Fruit I IMG 9792.jpg|Fruit at Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Image:Flowers I IMG 9716.jpg|Flowers at Kolkata, West Bengal, India
</gallery>
== Synonyms ==
This genus is also known as:
* ''Adenorhopium'' <small>[[Rchb.]]</small>
* ''Adenoropium'' <small>[[Pohl]]</small>
* ''Castiglionia'' <small>[[Ruiz]] & [[Pav.]]</small>
* ''Collenucia'' <small>[[Chiov.]]</small>
* ''Curcas'' <small>[[Adans.]]</small>
* ''Jatropa'' <small>[[Scop.]]</small>, orth. var.
* ''Loureira'' <small>[[Cav.]]</small>
* ''Mesandrinia'' <small>[[Constantine Samuel Rafinesque-Schmaltz|Raf.]]</small>
* ''Mesandrinia'' <small>Ortega</small>
* ''Tempate'' <small>[[El Salvador]]; [[Nicaragua]]</small>
* ''Zimapania'' <small>[[Adolf Engler|Engl.]] & [[Ferdinand Albin Pax|Pax]]</small>
== See also ==
{{EnergyPortal}}
*[[Jatropha In India]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
{{external links|date=July 2007}}
{{Commons|Jatropha}}
*[http://www.reuk.co.uk/Jatropha-for-Biodiesel-Figures.htm Jatropha Facts and Figures]
*[http://www.jatropha.de/ An Integrated Approach of Rural Development in Tropical & Subtropical Countries].
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6278140.stm BBC News website article re. Jatropha and biofuels]
*[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article2155351.ece Times Online Article]
*[http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=49611 Brazil Opens its First Commercial Jatropha Biodiesel Facility]
*[http://www.jatrophaafrica.com/ Biodiesel producers in Africa].
*[http://www.agroils.com/ Agroils]
*[http://www.terasollabs.com/ Jatropha Plant Science]
[[Category:Euphorbiaceae]]
[[Category:Energy crops]]