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Jatropha#Vegoil and biodiesel

{{Short description|Genus of flowering plants in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae}}

{{Automatic taxobox

|image = Redflowers8.jpg

|image_caption = Spicy Jatropha (Jatropha integerrima)

|display_parents = 2

|taxon = Jatropha

|authority = L.{{cite web |url=http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/genus.pl?6189 |title=Genus: Jatropha L |website=Germplasm Resources Information Network |publisher=United States Department of Agriculture |date=2007-10-05 |access-date=2010-08-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528114938/http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/genus.pl?6189 |archive-date=2010-05-28 }}

|diversity = c. 180 species

|diversity_link = List of Jatropha species

|synonyms =

{{Genus list

| Adenorhopium | Rchb.

| Adenoropium | Pohl

| Castiglionia | Ruiz & Pav.

| Collenucia | Chiov.

| Curcas | Adans.

| Mazinna | Spach

| Mesandrinia | Raf.

| Mozinna | Ortega

| Ricinoides | Mill.

| Zimapania | Engl. & Pax

}}

|synonyms_ref = {{cite POWO |title=Jatropha L. |id=325951-2 |access-date=14 March 2025}}

}}

Jatropha is a genus of flowering plants in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. The name is derived from the Greek words ἰατρός (iatros), meaning "physician", and τροφή (trophe), meaning "nutrition", hence the common name physic nut. Another common name is nettlespurge.{{PLANTS|id=JATRO|taxon=Jatropha|access-date=27 May 2015}} It contains approximately 180 species of succulent plants, shrubs and trees (some are deciduous, like Jatropha curcas). Most of these are native to the Americas, with 66 species found in the Old World.{{cite book |first=Joachim |last=Heller |title=Promoting the Conservation and Use of Underutilized and Neglected Crops Volume 1: Physic Nut, Jatropha Curcas L |publisher=Bioversity International |year=1996 |isbn=9789290432784 |page=7}} Plants produce separate male and female flowers. As with many members of the family Euphorbiaceae, 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 for biodiesel production and also medicinal importance when used as lamp oil; native Mexicans in the Veracruz area developed by selective breeding a Jatropha 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 edible Jatropha is pollinated by toxic types.

Uses

{{Further|Jatropha curcas#Uses}}

The stems of haat (Jatropha cuneata) are used for basketmaking by the Seri people in Sonora, 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 blooming crimson flowers. Buddha belly plant (J. podagrica) 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.

The oil from Jatropha curcas is mainly converted into biodiesel for use in diesel engines.{{cite journal |last1=Ajayebi |first1=Atta |title=Comparative life cycle assessment of biodiesel from algae and jatropha: A case study of India |journal=Bioresource Technology |date=2013 |volume=150 |pages=429–437 |doi=10.1016/j.biortech.2013.09.118 |pmid=24140355 |bibcode=2013BiTec.150..429A |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2013.09.118|url-access=subscription }} It is also used for thermal energy storage or as heat transfer fluid at medium and high temperature.{{Cite journal |last1=Kenda |first1=Eric Serge |last2=N’Tsoukpoe |first2=Kokouvi Edem |last3=Ouédraogo |first3=Igor W. K. |last4=Coulibaly |first4=Yézouma |last5=Py |first5=Xavier |last6=Ouédraogo |first6=Fabrice Marie Armel W. |date=2017-10-01 |title=Jatropha curcas crude oil as heat transfer fluid or thermal energy storage material for concentrating solar power plants |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0973082617301965 |journal=Energy for Sustainable Development |volume=40 |pages=59–67 |doi=10.1016/j.esd.2017.07.003 |bibcode=2017ESusD..40...59K |issn=0973-0826|url-access=subscription }}{{Cite journal |last1=Gomna |first1=Aboubakar |last2=N’Tsoukpoe |first2=Kokouvi Edem |last3=Le Pierrès |first3=Nolwenn |last4=Coulibaly |first4=Yézouma |date=2020-04-15 |title=Thermal stability of a vegetable oil-based thermal fluid at high temperature |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/20421338.2020.1732080 |journal=African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development |language=en |volume=12 |issue=3 |pages=317–326 |doi=10.1080/20421338.2020.1732080 |issn=2042-1338|url-access=subscription }}{{Cite journal |last1=N’Tsoukpoe |first1=Kokouvi Edem |last2=Le Pierrès |first2=Nolwenn |last3=Seshie |first3=Yao Manu |last4=Coulibaly |first4=Yézouma |date=2021-02-23 |title=Technico-economic comparison of heat transfer fluids or thermal energy storage materials: A case study using Jatropha curcas oil |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/20421338.2020.1838082 |journal=African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development |language=en |volume=13 |issue=2 |pages=193–211 |doi=10.1080/20421338.2020.1838082 |issn=2042-1338|url-access=subscription }} 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 produce biogas, and a high-quality organic fertilizer.Heuzé V., Tran G., Edouard N., Renaudeau D., Bastianelli D., Lebas F., 2016. Jatropha (Jatropha sp.) kernel meal and other jatropha products. Feedipedia, a programme by INRA, CIRAD, AFZ and FAO. https://www.feedipedia.org/node/620 Last updated on April 15, 2016, 10:17

In 2007, Goldman Sachs cited Jatropha curcas as one of the best candidates for future biodiesel production.[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB118788662080906716?mod=googlenews_wsj Jatropha Plant Gains Steam In Global Race for Biofuels] It is resistant to drought and pests, and produces seeds containing 27-40% oil,Achten WMJ, Mathijs E, Verchot L, Singh VP, Aerts R, Muys B 2007. Jatropha biodiesel fueling sustainability?. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining 1(4), 283-291.[https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bbb.39 ] {{doi|10.1002/bbb.39}}[https://perswww.kuleuven.be/~u0053809/Index.html The Jatropha Archives] averaging 34.4%.Achten WMJ, Verchot L, Franken YJ, Mathijs E, Singh VP, Aerts R, Muys B 2008. Jatropha bio-diesel production and use. (a literature review) Biomass and Bioenergy 32(12), 1063-1084.[https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2008.03.003 ] {{doi|10.1016/j.biombioe.2008.03.003}}[https://perswww.kuleuven.be/~u0053809/Index.html The Jatropha Archives] The remaining press cake of jatropha seeds after oil extraction could also be considered for energy production.Jongschaap REE, Blesgraaf RAR, Boogaard TA, Van Loo EN, Savenije HHG. The water footprint of bioenergy from Jatropha curcas L. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 106(35)E92. {{doi|10.1073/pnas.0907272106}} However, despite their abundance and use as oil and reclamation plants, none of the Jatropha species have been properly domesticated and, as a result, their productivity is variable, and the long-term impact of their large-scale use on soil quality and the environment is unknown.World Agroforestry Centre (2007) [http://www.presa.worldagroforestry.org/newsroom/highlights/when-oil-grows-trees When oil grows on trees]{{Dead link|date=February 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} World Agroforestry Centre press release. 26 April 2009. 2009 research found that Jatropha biodiesel production requires significantly more water than other common biofuel crops, and that initial yield estimates were high.{{cite news|last1=Morrison|first1=Chris|title=Miracle Biofuel Plant Jatropha Reveals Its Achilles Heel|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/miracle-biofuel-plant-jatropha-reveals-its-achilles-heel/|access-date=21 June 2016|agency=CBS Money Watch|publisher=CBS|date=9 June 2009}} Earlier, higher estimates from Worldwatch Institute had suggested that 1 acre of cultivation could yield 202 gallons (4.8 barrels) of biodiesel.{{cite news|last1=Cox|first1=Craig|title=After Oil|volume=5|issue=6, July/August 2007|publisher=Ode Magazine|page=54}}

Jatropha curcas is also being studied for use as a carbon sequestration plant in arid regions.[http://www.earth-syst-dynam.net/4/237/2013/esd-4-237-2013.html K. Becker, V. Wulfmeyer, T. Berger, J. Gebel, and W. Münch: "K. Becker1, V. Wulfmeyer2, T. Berger3, J. Gebel4, and W. Münch", Earth system dynamics, 4, 237-251, 2013.]

Toxicity

Much like other members of the family Euphorbiaceae, members of the genus Jatropha contain several toxic compounds. The seeds of Jatropha curcas contain toxic lectin dimers and carcinogenic phorbol esters.{{Cite web |url=http://www.drugsandpoisons.com/2008/01/lectins-peas-and-beans-gone-bad.html |title=Drugs and Poisons: Toxalbumins - Peas and beans gone bad |access-date=2010-06-26 |archive-date=2010-03-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100326175701/http://www.drugsandpoisons.com/2008/01/lectins-peas-and-beans-gone-bad.html |url-status=dead }} 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 gossypiifolia as invasive and highly toxic to people and animals.{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article2155351.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906202849/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article2155351.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 6, 2008 |title=Poison plant could help to cure the planet |work=The Times |date=2007-07-08 |access-date=2008-06-09 | location=London | first=Ben | last=MacIntyre}} It continues to be used as a medicine in certain geographic regions; however one study found the dried leaf to have no anti-fungal activity.Ilango, S. and David Paul Raj RS. 2015. Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizae on Jatropha curcas further its effect on tissue culture and leaf extract for antifungal property. url=http://www.annalsofplantsciences.com/index.php/aps/article/view/189

Selected species

{{Main|List of Jatropha species}}

Gallery

Jatropha multifida 1.JPG|Flowers of Jatropha multifida in El Crucero, Managua, Nicaragua

Jatropha multifida 2.JPG|Jatropha multifida plant in El Crucero, Managua, Nicaragua

Jatropha_integerrima_1.jpg|Jatropha integerrima

เข็มปัตตาเวีย Jatropha integerrima Jacq. (3).jpg|Jatropha integerrima in Thailand

Flowers of Jatropha integerrima.jpg|Jatropha integerrima in West Bengal, India

Jatropha pandurifolia 02.jpg|Jatropha pandurifolia in China

Bellyache Bush (Jatropha gossipifolia) in Hyderabad, AP W IMG 9219.jpg|Jatropha gossypiifolia in Hyderabad, India

J_podagrica_ies.jpg|Jatropha podagrica

Jatropha-podagrica-1- 1200.jpg|Close-up of Jatropha podagrica

Jatropha podagrica (Buddha Belly plant) in Hyderabad W IMG 8812.jpg|Jatropha podagrica in Hyderabad, India

= Formerly placed here =

References

{{Reflist|2}}

External links

{{Commons category|Jatropha|Jatropha}}

{{Wikispecies|Jatropha|Jatropha}}

  • [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6278140.stm BBC News report of Jatropa Biofuel]
  • {{Cite web

| url=http://environmental.scum.org/biofuel/jatropha/

| title=Size does matter - The possibilities of cultivating Jatropha curcas for biofuel production in developing countries

| access-date=2012-10-13

| archive-date=2021-06-22

| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622205226/http://environmental.scum.org/biofuel/jatropha/

| url-status=dead

}} Case study report on the relationship with food security, provides references and background information.

  • {{Cite news

| work=The New York Times

| title=Mali's Farmers Discover a Weed's Potential Power

| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/09/world/africa/09biofuel.html

| date=September 9, 2007

| access-date=2007-09-09

| first=Lydia

| last=Polgreen

}}

  • [https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2009/05/23/update-any-lessons-for-ghana-in-indias-jatropha-failure/ Any lessons for Ghana? India jatropha failure]
  • [http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2009/06/09/jatropha-not-a-miracle-biofuel-crop-after-all/ Jatropha not a miracle biofuel crop after all] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610091025/http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2009/06/09/jatropha-not-a-miracle-biofuel-crop-after-all/ |date=2011-06-10 }}
  • {{cite web | url = http://e360.yale.edu/content/feature.msp?id=2147 | title = Hailed as a Miracle Biofuel, Jatropha Falls Short of Hype | author = Jon R. Luoma | date = May 4, 2009 | publisher = Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies | website = environment360 | access-date = 2011-10-11 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111004211727/http://e360.yale.edu/content/feature.msp?id=2147 | archive-date = October 4, 2011 | url-status = dead }}

{{WestAfricanPlants|Jatropha}}

{{Taxonbar|from=Q152986}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Euphorbiaceae genera

Category:Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus

Category:Constantly blooming plants