Jatropha

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Jatropha

Spicy jatropha (Jatropha

integerrima)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Crotonoideae
Tribe: Jatropheae
Jatropha
Genus:
L.
Species
Approximately 175, see
Section Species.

Jatropha is a genus of approximately 175 succulent plants, shrubs and trees (some are
deciduous, like Jatropha curcas L.), from the family Euphorbiaceae. The name is derived from
(Greek iatros = physician and trophe = nutrition), hence the common name physic nut.
Jatropha is native to Central America[1] and has become naturalized in many tropical and
subtropical areas, including India, Africa, and North America. Originating in the Caribbean,
Jatropha was spread as a valuable hedge plant to Africa and Asia by Portuguese traders. The
mature small trees bear 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 pests, and produces seeds containing 27-40%
oil [2] (average: 34.4% [3]). The remaining press cake of jatropha seeds after oil extraction
could also be considered for energy production[4].
Goldman Sachs recently cited Jatropha curcas as one of the best candidates for future
biodiesel production.[5] However, despite its abundance and use as an oil and reclamation
plant, none of the Jatropha species have been properly domesticated and, as a result, its
productivity is variable, and the long-term impact of its large-scale use on soil quality and the
environment is unknown.[1]

Contents
[hide]

 1 Oil and biodiesel

 2 Toxicity
 3 Species
 4 Synonyms
 5 Gallery of Jatropha gossipifolia
 6 See also
 7 References
 8 External links

[edit] Oil and biodiesel

Main article: Jatropha oil

Jatropha curcas seedlings in a greenhouse in Nicaragua

Currently the oil from Jatropha curcas seeds is used for making biodiesel fuel in Philippines
and in Brazil, where it grows naturally and in plantations in the Southeast, and the
North/Northeast Brazil. Likewise, jatropha oil is being promoted as an easily grown biofuel
crop in hundreds of projects throughout India and other developing countries. [1][6] The
railway line between Mumbai and Delhi is planted with Jatropha and the train itself runs on
15-20% biodiesel.[1] In Africa, cultivation of Jatropha is being promoted and it is grown
successfully in countries such as Mali.[7] In the Gran Chaco of Paraguay, where also a native
variety (Jatropha matacensis) grows, studies have shown suitability of Jatropha cultivation [8]
[9]
and agro producers are starting to consider planting in the region.[10]

Estimates of Jatropha seed yield vary widely, due to a lack of research data, the genetic
diversity of the crop, the range of environments in which it is grown, and Jatropha's
perennial life cycle. Seed yields under cultivation can range from 1,500 to 2,000 kilograms
per hectare, corresponding to extractable oil yields of 540 to 680 litres per hectare (58 to 73
US gallons per acre).[11] Time Magazine recently cited the potential for as much as 1,600
gallons of diesel fuel per acre per year. [12]

Jatropha can also be intercropped with other cash crops such as coffee, sugar, fruits and
vegetables.[13]

On Dec. 30, 2008 Air New Zealand successfully completed a test flight from Auckland using a
50/50 mixture of jatropha oil -derived biofuel and Jet A1 in one of the four Rolls-Royce
RB211 engines of a 747 jumbo jet.[14] Air New Zealand announced plans to use the new fuel
for 10% of its needs by 2013. Jatropha oil is significantly cheaper than crude oil, costing an
estimated $43 a barrel or about one-third of the June 4, 2008 closing price of $122.30 for a
barrel of crude oil.[15] However, the falling cost of oil has changed the dynamic, with crude oil
trading in the $34–$48 range per barrel between December 2008, and February 2009. [16]

On January 7, 2009 Continental Airlines successfully completed a test flight from Houston,
Texas using a 50/50 mixture of algae/jatropha oil-derived biofuel and Jet A in one of the two
CFM56 engines of a Boeing 737-800 New Generation jet. The two-hour test flight could mark
another promising step for the airline industry to find cheaper and more environmentally
friendly alternatives to fossil fuel.

[edit] Toxicity
Characteristic of many members of the family Euphorbiaceae, Jatropha plants contain
several toxic compounds, including lectin, saponin, carcinogenic phorbol, and a trypsin
inhibitor. 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 banned Jatropha gossypifolia as invasive and
highly toxic to people and animals.[17]

[edit] Species

Jatropha gossipifolia in Hyderabad, India.

Jatropha multifida

Jatropha podagrica in Hyderabad, India.

Species of Jatropha include:

 Jatropha cuneata limberbush, whose stems are used for basketmaking by the Seri
people in Sonora, Mexico, who call it haat (pronounced [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 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
digesters 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 gossypifolia, also called bellyache bush: its fruits and foliage are toxic to
humans and animals. It is a major weed in Australia.
 Jatropha integerrima Jacq., or spicy jatropha: ornamental in the tropics, continuously
crimson, flowers almost all year.
 Jatropha multifida L., or coral plant: bright red flowers, like red coral, charactertised
by strongly incised leaves.
  Jatropha podagrica or buddha belly plant or bottleplant shrub was used to tan
leather and produce a red dye in Mexico and the Southwestern United States. It is
also used as a house plant.

[edit] Synonyms
This genus is also known as:

 Adenorhopium Rchb.
 Adenoropium Pohl
 Aamanakku / Kaattaamanakku Tamil, India
 Castiglionia Ruiz & Pav.
 Collenucia Chiov.
 Curcas Adans.
 Jarak Indonesia
 Jatropa Scop., orth. var.
 Loureira Cav.
 Mesandrinia Raf.
 Mesandrinia Ortega
 Zimapania Engl. & Pax
 Nkran Dedua
 Pourghère French term
 Pulga
 Tempate

[edit] Gallery of Jatropha gossipifolia

in Hyderabad, in Hyderabad,
India. India. in Hyderabad, India.