Jatropha curcas BARBADOS NUT (5 seeds)

Jatropha curcas, also known as Barbados nut or biofuel plant, is a tropical tree from the Euphorbiaceae family. It is a slow-growing variety that reaches 2 to 5 meters in height. It is native to South America and is now cultivated worldwide for the production of its oil. It possesses dense, evergreen foliage with alternate, simple, oval-shaped leaves.

Leaves are thick and dark green with a slightly waxy texture, giving them a glossy appearance. Their size generally varies between 10 and 20 cm in length, with slightly wavy edges.

Its flowers are small and red, grouped in branched inflorescences, often in panicles. They emit a sweet scent and attract certain pollinators. Each flower has five petals and is hermaphroditic, allowing for the sexual reproduction of the plant.

Fruits of the oil tree are thick, ovoid capsules, usually measuring 4 cm in length. As they ripen, they turn dark brown or blackish and open to release several seeds. The fruit shell is hard, thereby protecting the seeds.

Jatropha curcas seeds are black, rough, and cylindrical. Their size varies from 17 to 20 millimeters in length, with a weight of approximately 500 centigrams.

- Uses:

Africa is currently embarking on the production of green diesel from the oil. Every year, diesel engine owners consume 200 million liters of gas oil. Nowadays, it is widely used for the production of an ecological fuel without necessarily extracting oil from the ground. It is a gold mine for African countries where the climate is favorable for Jatropha, hence its nickname: the "green gold of the desert." The main advantage of this new ecological technology is that it emits water vapor rather than carbon dioxide. It is certainly the fuel of our future. Beyond being useful for clean energy, its flowering is simply magnificent.

- Germination and Sowing of Seeds:

• The most favorable period for sowing Barbados nuts is from June onwards, when heat exceeding 30°C is sufficiently high.
• Scarify the seed coats with abrasive paper (sandpaper).
• Soak them for 12 hours in lukewarm water to break dormancy.
• Sow in previously moistened peat pots at a depth of 1 cm.
• Lightly firm the substrate with your hands.
• Gently water the culture by misting. Leave the planting in a warm place at a temperature close to 35°C.
• Germination will generally begin a few weeks after sowing.

- Type of Soil / Substrate:

It thrives in sandy or loamy substrates with a pH between 6 and 7.5. Soil that is too clayey or too compact can encourage water stagnation and hinder growth. Therefore, good drainage is necessary.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

This plant loves full sun exposure, requiring at least 6 hours of direct light per day for optimal growth. It can tolerate slightly shaded positions, but fruit production and vitality will be better with plenty of light.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

As a tropical and subtropical plant, it prefers temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. It is hardy down to approximately 1°C, but beyond this limit, it risks suffering damage or dying if the cold is prolonged or too intense.

- Watering / Water Requirements:

It requires moderate watering at the time of planting, especially avoiding excess water which can cause root rot. Regular watering during the growth period is recommended, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

- Reproduction / Propagation:

Propagation can be done by seeds or by cuttings. Taking cuttings from semi-mature branches also allows for new plants to be obtained quickly.