| Appearance and Botanical Characteristics
Jatropha curcas L. or physic nut is commonly addressed by the term "Jatropha" although there are more than 100 other known Jatropha species within the family Euphorbiaceae. Jatropha is a drought-resistant perennial large shrub or small tree with a robust nature. It can grow up to a height of 6 to 8 meters but is rather kept at 2 to 3 meters for plantation management. The plant's lifetime can reach 50 years. Jatropha fruits usually contain 3 toxic, non-edible seeds that are rich in oil and nutrients. The residues after oil extraction thus provide an excellent organic fertilizer. Due to its toxicity in all plant parts Jatropha is not browsed by animals and protects itself from major pests. |
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Facts about Jatropha
Jatropha - Products and Utilisation
Jatropha - A multi-purpose plant
The pantropical Jatropha curcas grows on drought-prone wasteland and is suitable to stop erosion and recultivate degraded soil. Jatropha biofuel and its valuable by-products are a driver for land recultivation and a source for local income. Climate protection is effected through carbon accumulation and fossil fuel substitution. Jatropha can even grow on the desert under irrigation with waste water.
The following figure gives an overview over the main characteristics and purposes of Jatropha.
