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|familia=Euphorbiaceae
|familia=Euphorbiaceae
|genus=Jatropha
|genus=Jatropha
|common_name=physic nut
|poisonous=highly toxic compounds
|lifespan=perennial
|exposure=sun
|water=moderate, less when dormant
|features=flowers, drought tolerant
|flowers=red, single
|Min Temp Num=50
|Temp Metric=°F
|Temp Metric=°F
|image=Starr 070405-6823 Jatropha integerrima.jpg
|image=Starr 070405-6823 Jatropha integerrima.jpg
|image_width=240
|image_width=240
|image_caption=Jatropha integerrima (flowers and leaves)
|image_caption=Jatropha integerrima (flowers and leaves)
}}
}}
'''''Jatropha''''' is a [[genus]] of approximately 175 [[succulent plant]]s, [[shrub]]s 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<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|doi=10.1038/449652a}}</ref> and has become [[Naturalisation (biology)|naturalized]] in many tropical and subtropical areas, including India, Africa, and North America. Originating in the Caribbean, ''Jatropha'' was spread as a valuable [[Hedge (barrier)|hedge]] plant to Africa and Asia by Portuguese traders. The mature small trees bear [[monoecious|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.
'''''Jatropha''''' is a [[genus]] of approximately 175 [[succulent plant]]s, [[shrub]]s and trees (some are [[deciduous]], like ''[[Jatropha curcas]]'' L.). The name is derived from Greek, and has the common name '''physic nut'''. ''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|doi=10.1038/449652a}}</ref> and has become [[naturalized]] in many tropical and subtropical areas, including India, Africa, and North America. The mature small trees bear [[monoecious|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 [[pest]]s, and produces [[seed]]s containing 27-40% [[oil]].
The hardy ''Jatropha'' is resistant to [[drought]] and [[pest]]s, and produces [[seed]]s containing 27-40% [[oil]].
Species of ''Jatropha'' include:
Species of ''Jatropha'' include:
* ''[[Jatropha cuneata]]'' '''limberbush''', whose stems are used for basketmaking by the [[Seri people]] in [[Sonora]], Mexico, who call it '''haat''' ({{pron|ʔaːt}}). 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 cuneata]]'' '''limberbush''', whose stems are used for basketmaking by the [[Seri people]] in [[Sonora]], Mexico, who call it '''haat'''.
* ''[[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 [[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. 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 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]].
* ''[[Jatropha gossypifolia]]'', also called '''bellyache bush''': its fruits and foliage are toxic to humans and animals. It is a major weed in Australia.
* ''[[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]]'' <small>[[Nicolaus Joseph von Jacquin|Jacq.]]</small>, or '''spicy jatropha''': ornamental in the tropics, continuously [[crimson]], flowers almost all year.
* ''[[Jatropha integerrima]]'' <small>[[Nicolaus Joseph von Jacquin|Jacq.]]</small>, or '''spicy jatropha''': ornamental in the tropics, continuously [[crimson]], flowers almost all year.