Facts on Jatropha Curcas
The Jatropha curcas shrub, also known as the physic nut tree, is a member of the Euphorbiaceae or spurge family. It grows wild and is cultivated for the oil of its seeds, which are being used to produce bio-diesel fuel. Despite its poisonous properties, the leaves of the plant also figure prominently in Suriname folk medicine, being given for stomachache, gum and throat illnesses, and for constipation, backache and other illnesses.
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Appearance
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Jatropha curcas, a perennial shrub, grows to about 20 feet in height. The heart-shaped leaves of the shrub are large and pale green. The shrub, which produces spreading branches, has yellow-green flowers. Fruits, which are green and mature to yellow in color, are produced in the winter and include seedpods that contain two to three large black seeds. The seeds are just under an inch in length.
Origins
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The Jatropha curcas shrub originated in Central America and the Caribbean but is now found in several additional tropical and subtropical areas. It is listed as a weed in several countries including Brazil, Fiji, India, Jamaica, Panama and Puerto Rico--where it was likely introduced for medicinal purposes and then quickly spread to create wild populations. In African and Asia it is cultivated to form a fence for the protection of gardens.
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Climate
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Jatropha curcas can grow in desert climates. It is found in tropical and subtropical regions and grows best in well-drained soils with a pH between six and nine. The shrub can survive in many terrains and has been grown in sandy soils, stony soils and soils with high levels of saline. It grows best in climates where the temperature is between 68 and 85 degrees but can withstand light frosts, though frost may reduce the seed yield. The shrub has a life expectancy of up to 40 years and starts yielding fruit within a year of germinating. It contains properties that protect it against insects and fungus.
Poison
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The Jatropha curcas shrub's seeds are poisonous, containing toaxlbumin curcin. One to two of the seeds can be consumed as a laxative, but eating up to five seeds is often fatal. Other parts of the tree are also poisonous, containing cyanic acid. This includes the bark, fruit, leaf, root and wood of the shrub. However, cooking or roasting may reduce toxicity, as parts of the shrub are consumed in some cultures.
Uses
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The seeds of the Jatropha curcas shrub contain oils that are being processed as a biodiesel fuel. The waste from the process through which the fuel is made is used in making paper, cosmetics, toothpaste, embalming fluid, cough medicine and other items. The oil has also been used for soap and candle making. The seeds are also boiled and roasted for food in some countries. While Jatropha curcas is toxic, the young leaves of the plant are consumed steamed or stewed. Parts of Jatropha curcas were also prominent in folk medicine.
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References
- Photo Credit les: wikimedia.org
