Global Facilitation Unit for Underutilized Species PHYSIC NUT (Jatropha curcas) enabling deployment of underutilized species
What is Physic Nut and where does it come from? Also known as Barbados nut, it is a poisonous shrub belonging to the Euphorbiaceae or spurge family. The region of its exact origin is uncertain, but it is believed to be Mexico and Central America. However it has been introduced to Africa and is now cultivated worldwide. Physic nut oil is not suitable for human consumption.
PROPERTIES The hardy physic nut tree is resistant to drought and pests, and produces seeds with up to 35 per cent oil content. When the seeds are crushed, the resulting physic nut oil can be used in a standard diesel car, while the residue can also be processed into biomass to power electricity plants. The oil is also used as an insecticide, for soap production and numerous other purposes. Goldman Sachs recently cited physic nut as one of the best candidates for future biodiesel production. In India the rail line between Mumbai and Delhi is planted with physic nut and the train itself runs on 15-20% biodiesel. > Main Use The oily seeds are processed into oil, which may be directly used to fuel combustion engines. > Health The beneficial effects of physic nut oil soap are such that its use has been endorsed by NGOs dealing with HIV/AIDS. In fact the oil is effective in healing eczema which is commun amongst HIV/AIDS patients. > Other Uses Press cake made from the plant is valuable as organic manure and for biogas production. The seeds are not edible mainly due to a high content of toxic proteins but all parts of the plant are used in traditional medicine. A colourant can also be derived from the seed. The species is widely grown in Northern Tanzania as living fences because it is easily propagated by cuttings and not browsed by cattle.
PHYSIC NUT GROWING The plant can grow in wastelands, fertilises the soil that it grows in, and yields more than four times as much fuel per hectare as soybean; more than ten times that of corn. A hectare of physic nut can produce 1,375 liters of fuel. Physic nut can also be intercropped with other cash crops such as coffee, sugar, fruits and vegetables. Cultivation of physic nut is simple. It thrives on a mere 250 mm of rain a year and only during its first two years it needs to be watered in the closing days of the dry season. Ploughing and planting are not needed regularly as this shrub has a life expectancy of approximately forty years. The use of pesticides and other polluting substances is no longer called for, thanks to the pesticidal and fungicidal properties of the plant. SUPPLY AND AVAILABILITY The trees are deciduous, shedding the leaves in the dry season. Flowering occurs during the wet season and two flowering peaks are often seen. In permanently humid regions, flowering occurs throughout the year. The seeds mature about three months after flowering. The harvesting season stretches from November to January and from May to July, but harvest can be difficult because there is no flowering peak.
PHYSIC NUT Achieving social and ecological sustainability, generating income Being drought tolerant, physic nut can be used to reclaim eroded areas. With the combination of oil production and erosion control and the ability to grow in marginal areas with poor soil and low rainfall, this species has great potential in rural development as a source of household income and at the same time creating environmental benefits. Currently the oil from physic nut seeds is used for making biodiesel fuel in the Philippines and is being promoted as an easily grown biofuel crop in hundreds of projects throughout India and other developing countries. The exhibits on show are just few of many commercial products made from Physic nut: Can of physic nut oil Bar of physic nut oil soap SOME PRODUCERS / RETAILERS / DISTRIBUTORS > Diligent - www.diligent.nl > Kakute ltd - www.jatropha.de/tanzania/kakute/kakute.htm Photographs by: Reinhard Henning
Global Facilitation Unit for Underutilized Species For further information, contact: GFU for Underutilized Species Via dei Tre Denari, 472/a 00057 Maccarese, Rome, Italy Tel: +39-06-6118-292/302 e-mail: underutilized-species@cgiar.org w e b s i t e : w w w. u n d e r u t i l i z e d - s p e c i e s. o r g