2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Jatropha Kurkas / Jatropha curcas / is a flowering poisonous plant of the Euphorbiaceae family, which includes important economic species such as ricin (Ricinus communis). Jatropha Kurkas is an honorary member of the genus Jatropha, which collects about 170 species of shrubs and trees.
Jatropha kurkas is also found with the names Barbados nut, purging nut, physic nut and JCL. It originates from Central America. It can be seen in Mexico and some other places in the world with subtropical and tropical climates. The plant is a shrub or small tree up to 6 meters tall. It is semi-evergreen and can withstand dry climates. This means that it can be grown in the desert.
Jatropha Kurkas there are deep green, pointed leaves that have a heart shape. They are between 6-35 centimeters long and between 6 and 30 centimeters wide. The colors of jatropha kurkas are male and female. They can be painted in red or orange. The fruits are something like a capsule. They resemble a green walnut. They are 2.5 to 4 centimeters long. The fruits of jatropha kurkas become ready for picking in late autumn or during the winter months. They crack and 2 or 3 large seeds can be seen inside.
The seeds in question contain about 30-40 percent oil. They are suitable for use when the capsule of the plant begins to turn yellow. Jatropha kurkas seeds are especially valued nowadays, as they are used in the production of biodiesel. This is the reason why the number of plantations with this type of plant has seriously increased in the last seven years. The plant is preferred in the production of biodiesel, as it is able to grow on poor soils.
Composition of jatropha kurkas
In the seeds of jatropha kurkas many chemical compounds have been found such as saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. The seeds also contain sucrose, raffinose, stachiose, glucose, fructose and protein. Oleic acid and linoleic acid, curcasine, curcine, arachidonic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid were found in the seed oil.
Growing jatropha kurkas
Jatropha Kurkas is easy to grow in places with tropical and subtropical climates. It is propagated by seeds or cuttings. The use of seeds usually does not give very fast results, so cuttings are preferred.
They can be planted in almost any terrain, including saline soils. Until recently, it was thought that rocky terrain was not a problem either, but recent research shows that the plant's ability to grow in such an area is not so great.
That is why experts recommend light and nutritious soils. Jatropha Kurkas loves warm weather and sunlight. It grows well at a temperature of about 30 degrees, but also accepts higher temperatures. It does not need abundant watering. Even if it is not watered for some time, it can survive, as it has a well-developed root system that can reach deep water.
However, in high heat, spraying the leaves is recommended. Fertilization can be done 2-3 times a year. The use of pesticides is not necessary due to the fungicidal properties of jatropha kurkas. The plant does not begin to give a good harvest immediately. It usually takes at least 2-3 years for this to happen.
Benefits of jatropha kurkas
Jatropha Kurkas is a plant that is valued not only in the production of biodiesel, but also in medicine. Different parts of the plant are used in the preparation of various preparations.
It is believed that the leaves of jatropha kurkas can help with scabies and rheumatism. They are also used in some tumors. The juice from the leaves is used for wasp or bee stings.
In India, the leaves are used to repel annoying insects from domestic animals. The leaves can also be used for muscle pain. Leaf tea was given to relieve fever. It has been reported to be used in diseases such as jaundice and gonorrhea.
The seeds have been recommended against constipation and as a cleanser. They have also been used to induce vomiting. Several seeds can also be placed in a room where there are pests such as rats and mice to repel rodents.
Currant jatropha seed oil also helps with skin problems and insect bites. It has antibacterial and warming effects.
Tea from the bark of the tree was given to people with rheumatism and leprosy. The roots of jatropha kurkas are used in some crops against toothache, tapeworm and scabies.
In general, different peoples have used jatropha kurkas for various complaints, including stomach ulcers, fever, tetanus, baldness, skin inflammation, superficial burns, diarrhea, dropsy.
The roots of the plant are no less important. They are involved in the composition of the antidote, which is used in snake bites.
Harm from jatropha kurkas
As we mentioned at the beginning, jatropha kurkas is a poisonous plant and therefore the tree must be handled with care. It is mandatory to wash your hands with any contact with this type. The plant should also not be used without the knowledge of a competent person.
