Jatropha has several species; it belongs to the family "Euphorbiaceae". Jatropha seeds have high oil content approximately 35%. Jatropha has toxic components in it. Jatropha is drought tolerant and it consists of different species namely, Jatropha curcas, Jatropha integerrima, Jatropha podagrica, Jatropha villosa, Jatropha tanjorensis, Jatropha gossypifolia, Jatropha glandulifera, Jatropha multifida and Jatropha maheswari. Some important varieties are:
Jatropha curcas: Jatropha curcas is native to Central America. It is cultivated widely throughout the world. Jatropha curcas is cultivated in tropical and sub tropical regions around the world. The oil content of jatropha curcas is 30-42%.It is a drought resistant and faster growing shrubs. Jatropha curcas has the ability to absorb high amount of carbon dioxide from atmosphere. It is a good alternative for fossil fuels. Jatropha curcas is used as a potential oil crop, raw material for industrial purposes. Jatropha curcas contains an alkaloid known as jatrophine which is rich in anti cancerous properties and also an antidote for snake bites.
Jatropha gossypifolia: It is a bushy shrub of about 1.8m in height. It is native to central as well as South America and Caribbean islands. It is well known for its medicinal values. The leaves of Jatropha gossypifolia is used for treating intermittent fevers launch crp129, carbuncles, eczema, itches, sores on the tongues of babies, stomach ache, and veneral disease. The stem latex is usually applied on the injured skin, bleeding gum or nose to stop bleeding.
Jatropha glandulifera: It is an evergreen shrub with 3-5m tall. It is grown well in back cotton soils of Deccan and Carnatic regions in India. It is used for ornamental and medicinal purposes launch x431 v.
Jatropha multifida: Jatropha Multifida is the perennial coral plant. It is a fast growing plant with evergreen shrub with single trunk .It produces big bright yellow nut. It is similar to gossypifolia. It grows up to 6-10 ft tall. The flowers are bright red in color so used for ornamental purposes. The seeds contain 32-40% of oil. The seeds harvested from this plant are useful for producing Jatropha biodiesel. The coral plants are very poisonous.
Jatropha podagrica: Jatropha podagrica is native to the tropical Americas and it is an evergreen shrub grows well in non-frost climates. Jatropha Podagrica has a swollen base on its trunk. It produces the attractive flower and used for ornamental purposes. The shrub is very easy to maintain. It is highly toxic plant. The seed oil of the plant is used in the treatment of rheumatic conditions, itch and parasitic skin diseases, and in the treatment of fever, jaundice.
Jatropha integerrima: It is also known as spicy jatropha or peregrina. It is native to Cuba .It is an evergreen shrub with cluster of star shaped flowers and drought tolerant. It is approximately 15 ft tall. Jatropha integerrima contains a milky sap that can irritate sensitive skin.
Jatropha pandurifolia: It is a small branching shrub; it grows up to 3 m high. It is native to Cuba. The flowers are very small, but the flowering period is very long and almost in all the year. Fruits are capsule and purplish green.
Michael John is an expert author for jatropha social investment, Light hydrocarbon fuel, Pure Energy, Renewable Energy he has written many articles on Jatropha.Related Links
