Native to the American tropics, Jatropha (Physic Nut; Jatropha curcas, Jatropha spp.) is now widespread in many tropical countries and naturalized or invasive.
It is a small tree or large shrub growing up to 20 feet, that while being tropical, is also highly drought resistant and also able to grow in very poor or sandy soils, sometimes used for erosion control.
The leaves are green with 3-5 lobes and it produces a fruit with seeds that yield between 25-40% oil depending on the variety and environmental conditions.
Although the entire plant is purgative and poisonous, the young shoots are cooked or stewed and consumed.
The seeds are also consumed in some areas after correct processing (or using less toxic varieties), such as in Mexico for preparation of tamales, soups, sauces and also roasted.
However, most of the interest in Jatropha is for its use as an agroforestry tree, useful as a living fence and possibly for reclaiming desert areas.
It produces a nut that has been used to make a high-quality biodiesel fuel, as well as used for making candles, soap, and other industrial substances.
Many claims have been made, and perhaps over-promised, about the fuel and environmental potential of Jatropha, but some argue that it has not been domesticated long enough (with enough plant breeding) to really known its full potential.
The nuts are pressed for their oil, which is then processed for use as biodiesel (and even jet fuel!), and the press cake is also used for biomass to produce energy and as a fertilizer.
The cultivation of Jatropha for biodiesel production currently occurs in many countries, including Brazil, the Philippines, Pakistan, India, Mali, and Burma. Many remote and rural communities rely on it for fuel use.
Jatropha also has an extensive history as a traditional medicine, despite its toxicity.
People experienced in its use apply preparations topically for wound healing, inflammations, burns, as a styptic, for pain and astringing mucus membranes; and internally for fever, as a purgative, syphilis and other conditions.
Through scientific investigation, Jatropha has been found to have antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antigingivitis, antioxidant, cytoprotective, wound healing, angiogenesis and anticancer activities.
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*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physici