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Jatropha is a diverse genus of plants native to South America and the Caribbean. They have numerous uses, including as a source of biofuels and vegetable dyes. Despite their toxicity, some cultures use them in traditional medicine and cooking. Jatropha can thrive in poor soil and semi-drought conditions, making them highly efficient for use as biomass in power plants.
Jatropha is a genus of plants, trees and shrubs native to South America and the Caribbean. It is estimated that 175 species are placed in this genus. There are numerous uses for Jatropha, ranging from compounds that can be used as vegetable dyes to oils that can be used in the production of biofuels. Some alternative fuel advocates have argued for Jatropha as a source of potential biodiesel, although there is some evidence to suggest that better alternatives exist.
These plants belong to the Euphorbiaceae family. Like other plants in this family, they contain a number of toxic compounds, along with a sticky, milky-white sap that acts as a skin irritant. Members of the genus Jatropha also have extremely toxic seeds; it only takes three to kill a grown adult. Despite the toxicity, some cultures have used parts of Jatropha species in traditional medicine and cooking, and research indicates that some species may contain medicinally useful compounds.
In appearance, this genre is very diverse. All species have distinctive clusters of small flowers and are classified as succulents, with fleshy stems designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. Some plants are low shrubs, while others grow more upright and can be bushy to spindly. A major benefit to people growing Jatropha species is the fact that they thrive in poor soil and can tolerate low water and semi-drought conditions.
Historically, several species have been grown as hedges. Jatropha species with compounds that can be used as dyes were used by several Native American tribes to produce colors such as red and blue, and in Mexico, Jatropha was used in traditional basket making and weaving.
The oil extracted from the seeds can be used in the production of soap and candles, and as a biofuel. Pure oil can be burned in many engines as is and can also be refined. Tests on the oil have shown that it can be used to fuel trains, planes and many automobiles. However, since neither species has been domesticated, a reliable rendition is difficult to obtain. Jatropha curcus is one of the most promising species and can be found grown in many parts of Africa and India.
In addition to being used as a source of biofuel, plants of this genus can also be used as biomass in power plants, with the rest of the plant after pressing for oil being burned for energy. This makes using Jatropha highly efficient, as it can be grown in areas where other plants will not thrive and the entire plant can be used.
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