Jatropha
Taxonomic Position
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum:
Angiospermae
Class: Eudicots
Order:
Malphighiales
Family: Euphrobiaceae
Sub-Family:
Crotonoideae
Genus: Jatropha
Natural Habitat
Jatropha adapts to a wide range
of climates and soils. It can grow almost on any type of soil whether gravely,
sandy or saline and thrives even on the poorest stony soils and rock crevices.
It is a drought resistant perennial plant living up to 50 years. Its mostly
found in sub-tropical regions.
Biological Importance
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It inhibits virus growth in some crops like
water melon.
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Hydrogen Cyanide is present in its leaves and
some other parts and is used as poison.
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In some regions its nut is used as
contraceptive.
Ecological Importance
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Jatropha grows much faster than any other bush
and fixes CO2 thus reducing CO2 from atmosphere and
offers biomass.
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1 acre of Jatropha plantation absorbs and
reduces 500kg of CO2 every year from atmosphere and is a good way of
reducing green house gases.
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Jatropha is a soft tree. It does not break or
get uprooted in case of cyclones and floods like other oil bearing seed trees.
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Its plantation reduces amount dust that is
carried by high winds.
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It also cools the entire area.
Economic Importance
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Biodiesel.
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Renewable energy source.
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Its oil is used for illumination.
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Soil erosion control and soil improvement.
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Resistance against natural disasters.
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In developing countries provide employment,
poverty reduction and promotion of women employment.
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It stains linen.
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