Jatropha curcas
TAXONOMY
FamilyEuphorbiaceae
GenusJatropha
Zone10
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Jatropha curcas, commonly known as the physic nut or Barbados nut, is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. It is native to the American tropics, most likely Mexico and Central America. This plant is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 6 meters tall. It is known for its drought resistance and is often used for biofuel production. The plant has a dormancy period during the dry season.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Castiglionia Lobata
Physic Nut
Ricinoides Americana
Ricinus Americanus
Ricinus Jarak
Curcas adansonii
Curcas curcas
Curcas drastica
Curcas indica
Curcas lobata
Curcas purgans
Jatropha acerifolia
Jatropha afrocurcas
Jatropha condor
Jatropha edulis
Jatropha yucatanensis
Manihot curcas
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (8 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity60%
GDD2,250
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Jatropha curcas requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. It thrives in warm temperatures and moderate humidity. Water the plant sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. This plant is well-suited for outdoor growth in seasonally dry tropical climates.Harvest
Jatropha curcas is typically harvested when the fruits turn yellow and begin to split open, which usually occurs around 150 days after planting. The fruits should be collected by hand to avoid damaging the seeds. It is important to harvest regularly to prevent over-ripening and seed loss. After harvesting, the seeds should be dried in the sun for several days to reduce moisture content before storage or processing.Soil
Jatropha curcas prefers well-draining loamy soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but performs best in moderately fertile soil. Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can harm the plant.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize the plant during the growing season to support its growth and development. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to nutrient imbalances.Repotting
Repot Jatropha curcas when it outgrows its current container or when the soil becomes compacted. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage. Repotting is best done during the growing season to minimize stress on the plant.Propagation
Jatropha curcas can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. For seed propagation, sow seeds in well-draining soil and keep them warm and moist until germination. For cuttings, take a healthy stem cutting and plant it in a suitable growing medium. Propagation is best done during the growing season.Pruning
Prune Jatropha curcas to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Remove dead or damaged branches and trim back overgrown areas. Pruning is best done during the dormant season to minimize stress on the plant.Toxicity
Jatropha curcas is toxic to both humans and pets. All parts of the plant contain toxic compounds, with the seeds being particularly poisonous. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and other symptoms. Handle the plant with care and keep it out of reach of children and pets.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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