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(Jatropha curcas)
Physic Nut (Jatropha curcas)
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Francisco Farriols Sarabia
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Francisco Farriols Sarabia
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Francisco Farriols Sarabia | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Francisco Farriols Sarabia | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-08-28T13:02:41-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Jatropha curcas, commonly known as physic nut, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the tropical regions of the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, and South America. It is often found in semi-arid conditions, thriving in well-drained soils. In its native habitat, it is typically part of the understorey vegetation in open woodlands and scrub areas. Jatropha curcas can grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) in height and width, with a dense branching structure. The plant features large, green to pale-green leaves and produces small greenish-yellow flowers throughout the year in its native range. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they give way to the production of seeds within a distinctive three-lobed capsule.
Physic nut is valued for its rapid growth and drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and as a living fence in arid regions. It is also cultivated for biofuel production due to the high oil content of its seeds. In cultivation, it requires full sun and well-drained soil. While it is drought-tolerant, regular watering will promote better growth. It is not particular about soil pH and can grow in nutritionally poor conditions. However, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, and the sap can cause skin irritation, which gardeners should be cautious of. Additionally, its potential invasiveness should be considered before planting, as it can spread aggressively outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Physic nut is valued for its rapid growth and drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and as a living fence in arid regions. It is also cultivated for biofuel production due to the high oil content of its seeds. In cultivation, it requires full sun and well-drained soil. While it is drought-tolerant, regular watering will promote better growth. It is not particular about soil pH and can grow in nutritionally poor conditions. However, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, and the sap can cause skin irritation, which gardeners should be cautious of. Additionally, its potential invasiveness should be considered before planting, as it can spread aggressively outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree, Succulent
- Height: 15-20 feet
- Width: 10-15 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Green, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen, Semi-deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant
Natural Habitat
native to the tropical regions of the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, and South America
Other Names
Common Names: Purging Nut , Barbados Nut , Cumataci , Bubblebush , Inkoko , Kilembelembe , Likoko , Ludimba
Scientific Names: Jatropha curcas , Castiglionia lobata , Curcas adansonii , Curcas curcas , Curcas drastica , Curcas indica , Curcas lobata , Curcas lobata , Curcas purgans , Hedera corymbosa
GBIF Accepted Name: