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Description
Jatropha Cathartica, commonly known as the Purging Nut or Gouty Stem, is a small deciduous tree belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. Native to Central and South America, it has now spread to other parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Australia. The plant is known for its medicinal properties, and its seeds are used to treat various ailments such as constipation, rheumatism, and skin diseases.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Jatropha |
Appearance
Jatropha Cathartica grows up to 3 meters tall and has a single or multiple trunks. The leaves are dark green, shiny, and have a lobed structure. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and bloom in clusters. The fruit is a capsule that contains seeds that are brown or black in color. The stem of the plant is thick and woody, and its bark is gray in color.
Care Guide
Jatropha Cathartica is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: Jatropha Cathartica prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Jatropha Cathartica is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to leaf spot and root rot. Keep the soil well-drained and avoid over-watering to prevent these issues.
Habitat
Jatropha Cathartica is native to Central and South America but has now spread to other parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Australia. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and open fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Jatropha Cathartica poisonous?
A: Yes, the seeds of Jatropha Cathartica are poisonous if ingested.
Q: Can Jatropha Cathartica grow in a container?
A: Yes, Jatropha Cathartica can grow in a container as long as it is provided with adequate sunlight and well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I fertilize Jatropha Cathartica?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Q: How tall can Jatropha Cathartica grow?
A: Jatropha Cathartica can grow up to 3 meters tall.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Jatropha Cathartica:
- Jatropha Curcas
- Jatropha Podagrica
- Jatropha Multifida
- Jatropha Gossypiifolia
References
- “Jatropha cathartica”, Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org.
- “Jatropha cathartica”, Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org.
- “Jatropha cathartica”, Dave’s Garden, www.davesgarden.com.
