| Jatropha | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Spicy Jatropha (Jatropha integerrima) | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Subfamily: | Crotonoideae |
| Tribe: | Jatropheae |
| Genus: | Jatropha L.[1] |
| Diversity | |
| c. 180 species | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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Jatropha is agenus offlowering plants in thespurge family,Euphorbiaceae. The name is derived from theGreek words ἰατρός (iatros), meaning "physician", and τροφή (trophe), meaning "nutrition", hence the common namephysic nut. Another common name isnettlespurge.[3] It contains approximately 180 species[2] ofsucculent plants,shrubs and trees (some aredeciduous, likeJatropha curcas). Most of these are native to theAmericas, with 66 species found in theOld World.[4] Plants produceseparate male and femaleflowers. As with many members of the familyEuphorbiaceae,Jatropha contains compounds that are highly toxic.Jatropha species have traditionally been used in basketmaking, tanning and dye production. In the 2000s, one species,Jatropha curcas, generated interest as an oil crop forbiodiesel production and also medicinal importance when used as lamp oil; native Mexicans in the Veracruz area developed by selective breeding aJatropha curcas variant lacking the toxic compounds, yielding a better income when used as source for biodiesel, because of its edible byproduct. Toxicity may return if edibleJatropha is pollinated by toxic types.
The stems of haat (Jatropha cuneata) are used for basketmaking by theSeri people inSonora, Mexico. The stems are roasted, split and soaked through an elaborate process. The reddish dye that is often used is made from the root of another plant species,Krameria grayi. Spicy jatropha (J. integerrima) is cultivated as an ornamental in the tropics for its continuously bloomingcrimson flowers. Buddha belly plant (J. podagrica) was used totanleather and produce a reddye in Mexico and the southwestern United States. It is also used as a house plant.
The oil fromJatropha curcas is mainly converted into biodiesel for use indiesel engines.[5] The cake resulting from oil extraction, a protein-rich product, can be used for fish or animal feed (if detoxified). It is also a biomass feedstock to power electricity plants or to producebiogas, and a high-quality organicfertilizer.[6]
In 2007,Goldman Sachs citedJatropha curcas as one of the best candidates for futurebiodiesel production.[7] It is resistant todrought andpests, and producesseeds containing 27-40%oil,[8] averaging 34.4%.[9] The remaining press cake of jatropha seeds after oil extraction could also be considered for energy production.[10] However, despite their abundance and use as oil andreclamation plants, none of theJatropha species have been properlydomesticated and, as a result, their productivity is variable, and the long-term impact of their large-scale use onsoil quality and the environment is unknown.[11] 2009 research found that Jatropha biodiesel production requires significantly more water than other commonbiofuel crops, and that initial yield estimates were high.[12] Earlier, higher estimates fromWorldwatch Institute had suggested that 1 acre of cultivation could yield 202 gallons (4.8 barrels) of biodiesel.[13]
Jatropha curcas is also being studied for use as acarbon sequestration plant in arid regions.[14]
Much like other members of the familyEuphorbiaceae, members of the genusJatropha contain several toxic compounds. The seeds ofJatropha curcas contain toxiclectin dimers and carcinogenicphorbol esters.[15] Despite this, the seeds are occasionally eaten after roasting, which reduces some of the toxicity. Its sap is a skin irritant, and ingesting as few as three untreated seeds can be fatal to humans. In 2005, Western Australia bannedJatropha gossypiifolia as invasive and highly toxic to people and animals.[16] It continues to be used as a medicine in certain geographic regions; however one study found the dried leaf to have noanti-fungal activity.[17]
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