What is the benefit of Jatropha tree?
Traditionally this plant is used for treating dysentery and diarrhea. J. curcas has been known for its antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The latex of Jatropha contains an alkaloid known as “Jatrophine” which is believed to have anti-cancer properties.
How big does a Jatropha tree get?
about 15 feet tall
Jatropha is a tropical evergreen that has slender stems and multiple trunks. These plants can reach about 15 feet tall and have an equal spread when left unpruned.
Is Jatropha poisonous to humans?
Jatropha seed oil is currently being tried as a biofuel. Though all parts of the plant are poisonous, seeds have the highest concentration of ricin and thus very poisonous [5]. The adverse effects following consumption of seeds include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and burning sensation in the throat.
Is Spicy Jatropha poisonous?
Every part of the Spicy Jatropha is poisonous if eaten. Don’t add this plant to your landscape if you have pets or children. Avoid Firecracker’s white, milky sap. It’s very irritating to the skin and is damaging if it makes contact with your eyes.
Is Jatropha curcas edible?
The seeds contain 27–40% oil (average: 34.4%) that can be processed to produce a high-quality biodiesel fuel, usable in a standard diesel engine. Edible (non-toxic) varieties can be used for animal feed and food….
| Jatropha curcas | |
|---|---|
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus: | Jatropha |
| Species: | J. curcas |
| Binomial name |
Is Jatropha easy to grow?
The plant is easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm climates, but it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought tolerant, although best growth will be achieved with supplemental watering occasionally.
Can we eat Jatropha?
Although it is known as a toxic plant due to the presence of diterpenes named phorbol esters, the existence of edible non-toxic J. curcas without phorbol esters content has been demonstrated. It is also similarly reported that Jatropha seeds are edible once the embryo has been removed.
Can you eat Jatropha curcas?
Edible parts of J. curcas are the tender young shoots, young leaves, and seeds. The ashes from the roots and branches are used as cooking salt. Further, Jatropha oil is an environmentally safe and cost-effective renewable source of non-conventional energy.