Family: Euphorbiaceae
Common name: Physic nut, Barbados nut, Purge nut, American purging nut, Barbados purging nut, Bed bug plant, Poison nut, Big purge nut, Black vomit nut, Bubble bush, Cuban physic nut, Purging nut, Brazilian stinging nut, Curcas bean, Hell oil, Purging nut, Purging nut tree
Jatropha curcas commonly known as Barbados nut or Physic nut, is a small tree that has become very popular in recent times because of the seed oil which can be used as biofuel.
It is native to South and Central America, but is now being grown all over the world, especially in tropical countries.
Plant Characteristics
Jatropha plants usually grow to a height of 4-6 meters with a well-branched, bushy stem and large, palmate leaves. The bright green, rounded leaves have 3-5 lobes and wavy margins.
The stem and leaves contain a milky sap which is toxic, and can cause skin irritations. These plants produce small, star-shaped flowers which are greenish-yellow in color with five petals.
Male and female flowers are produced on the same plant, about 10-20 male flowers for each female flower. After pollination, the Jatropha plant produces small, lobed fruits that contain about 3 seeds in each fruit.
The fruits are initially green, turning yellow and then brown as they mature, before they split open to release the brownish-black seeds.
Gardening tips
Jatropha plant prefer bright, direct, or filtered sunlight to encourage good flowering and fruiting. They grow well in warm, humid weather and are relatively drought-tolerant.
Water the plants during summer months especially during the initial growth phase. After 2-3 years, the plant will be established in the soil and needs very little watering or fertilization.
The plant parts are toxic and should not be consumed by pests are humans. Prune the plants to keep them bushy, and also to make it easier to harvest the seeds.
Since they have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, they are resistant to pests and other infestations, making them good crops for farmers.
There was a Jatropha rush all over the world during the early 21st century, where large acres of land were dedicated to growing these plants. But the yields vary significantly between years, making revenue unpredictable for farmers.
Uses
Jatropha plants have some medicinal uses in the treatment of stomach ailments, cuts, wounds, skin infections, fever, worms, malaria, headache, jaundice, hypertension, burns, chest congestion, snake bites, ulcers, toothache, dysentery, and more.
The seeds contain 30-40% oil, thus making them very valuable in the production of biofuel, which can be used directly in diesel engines. Jatropha cakes are effective as fertilizers and pesticides.
These plants grow very quickly filling large areas, and therefore they can be used to prevent erosion. Jatropha seed oil is used for lamps, and also in making soaps and oils. Seed cakes are used in animal feeds and in producing biogas.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds, stem cuttings, grafting, budding, and air layering.
Photographed at: Nandi hills area, Bangalore
