Jatropha curcas aka Physicnut

Taxonomy

Jatropha curcas, also known as physic nut, Barbados nut, poison nut, bubble bush or purging nut, is a semi-evergreen shrub or small tree that is native to the tropical areas of the Americas from Mexico to Argentina. It has spread throughout the world in tropical and subtropical regions, becoming naturalized or invasive in many areas. The plant can reach a height of 6 meters (20 feet) or more and is resistant to a high degree of aridity, allowing it to grow in deserts. It contains phorbol esters, which are considered toxic, but there are also edible (non-toxic) varieties native to Mexico, known by the local population as piñón manso, xuta, chuta, aishte, among others. Jatropha curcas has significant variability in leaf morphology, with leaves that are green to pale green, alternate to subopposite, and three- to five-lobed with a spiral phyllotaxis. Male and female flowers are produced on the same inflorescence, with an average of 20 male flowers to each female flower, or 10 male flowers to each female flower. The inflorescence can be formed in the leaf axil, and plants occasionally present hermaphroditic flowers. Fruits are produced in winter, or there may be several crops during the year if soil moisture is good and temperatures are sufficiently high. Most fruit production is concentrated from midsummer to late fall, with variations in production peaks where some plants have two or three harvests and some produce continuously through the season. The seeds contain around 20% saturated fatty acids and 80% unsaturated fatty acids, and they yield 25–40% oil by weight. In addition, the seeds contain other chemical compounds, such as saccharose, raffinose, stachyose, glucose, fructose, galactose, and protein. The oil is largely made up of oleic and linoleic acids. Furthermore, the plant also contains curcasin, arachidic, myristic, palmitic, and stearic acids and curcin. The oil from the seeds can be processed to produce a high-quality biodiesel fuel usable in a standard diesel engine. However, the oil also has a very purgative property. As a houseplant, Physic Nut is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. Physic Nut likes soil that is well-draining. The plant shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size. Physic Nut belongs to the Jatropha genus and is native to the Tropical Americas.

Common names

Physicnut, Purgenut, Purgingnut

How to care for Physicnut

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Physicnut is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Physicnut should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Physicnut loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Physicnut thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Purgingnut.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Physicnut plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

The Physicnut is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Physicnut’s native range is Tropical S. America - probably Central America to Mexico.


More info:
Wikipedia