Jatropha curcas Seeds | Physic Nut
LATIN NAME: Jatropha curcas
COMMON NAME: Physic Nut
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Physic Nut (Jatropha curcas) stands out as a shrub in the spurge family. Physic nut is curious, bitter shrub of warm fence-row, and clusters of small, pale-green flowers open among broad, lobed leaves. Fast-growing, shrubby or small-tree plant carries broad, five-lobed leaves and small, pale-green, star-shaped flowers in loose clusters through warm season, to be followed by round, green fruits with dark, oily seeds. Seeds are bitter and poisonous and are for eyes only, not for mouth, and shrub is a fine, curious presence of warm garden and study collection. These traits together are what have kept the plant in gardens for so long.
Science & Biotechnology
Botanists studying the spurge family regularly include Jatropha curcas in comparative work, and the species also appears in horticultural trials aimed at gardeners and growers. Interest from collectors and breeders has never lapsed, and good seed continues to circulate.
Uses & Benefits
Physic Nut works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Physic nut is a fine, curious shrub of warm fence-row and study collection. Oily seeds are pressed for biodiesel and soap of warm industry, one of fine, non-food oil crops of dry regions, and shrub grows fast on poor, dry ground that food crops refuse. Seeds are bitter and poisonous and are for eyes only, not for mouth, so shrub is grown for oil and study rather than for the table. Once it has settled, the workload drops to almost nothing.
Physic nut is a promising biodiesel shrub whose seeds are toxic; it is a biofuel and fence plant, not a food or home remedy.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Physic Nut, and the process is uncomplicated. Use a fine, free-draining seed compost, scatter the seed evenly, cover it lightly and hold it just moist in good light. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
As a shrub, it settles into a routine quickly once established. Once established, Physic Nut largely looks after itself. Sun, free drainage and a patient first year are all it really requires.
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