Physic Nut

The scientific name of Physic Nut: Jatropha curcas Linn.

Name of Physic Nut in different languages:-

English: Purging nut

Sanskrit: Dravanti

Hindi: Pahari erand

Malayalam: Kattavanakku, Appa-അപ്പ

Plant description:

Physic nut or Biodiesel plant is a weed tree of tropical and sub-tropical environments that is found in waste land areas, abandoned gardens and along roadsides. it is a shrub or small tree usually grows up to 2-4 m tall. Its stems are thick and exude a gummy sap when crack, which is corrosive it may be harmful. leaves are arranged alternately 10-19 cm long and 5-15 cm wide, its has pale yellow to greenish colored flowers usually in clusters in the forks of the upper leaves, fleshy capsules size is 3-4 cm long, usually contain three or more large seeds and turn yellow and then dark brown when they ripe. Extracted oil from dried fruits is used as bio diesel.

Useful plant parts:

Whole plant.

Medicinal uses:

To treat ringworm problem.

Chemical Content:

Poxalbumin curcin, Reserpine.