Saturday 26 November 2011

Jatropha


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
-        It inhibits virus growth in some crops like water melon.
-        Hydrogen Cyanide is present in its leaves and some other parts and is used as poison.
-        In some regions its nut is used as contraceptive.

Ecological Importance
-        Jatropha grows much faster than any other bush and fixes CO2 thus reducing CO2 from atmosphere and offers biomass.
-        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.
-        Jatropha is a soft tree. It does not break or get uprooted in case of cyclones and floods like other oil bearing seed trees.
-        Its plantation reduces amount dust that is carried by high winds.
-        It also cools the entire area.

Economic Importance
-        Biodiesel.
-        Renewable energy source.
-        Its oil is used for illumination.
-        Soil erosion control and soil improvement.
-        Resistance against natural disasters.
-        In developing countries provide employment, poverty reduction and promotion of women employment.
-        It stains linen.


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