Common Name: Physic Nut

General Information

Physic nut is an evergreen or semi-deciduous, slightly succulent shrub or a tree with a loose, spreading crown; it can grow up to 6 metres tall, though is more likely to be 2 - 3 metres tall in cultivation[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of oil. It was introduced as an ornamental into the Old World tropics long ago and is often grown as a hedge[]. The red inflorescence is in great demand by florists as it makes beautiful red corsages[].

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are poisonous[].
The ripe, dry seeds contain a dangerous, bitter, purgative oil which is sometimes used medicinally. Overdoses, it is reported, can be counteracted by drinking a glass of white wine[]. Limejuice and stimulants are the best antidotes in cases of poisoning by the seeds[].
The plant may be used as a fish poison[].

Botanical References

Range

Caribbean - Trinidad to Cuba; Southern N. America - Mexico.

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Physic nut is a plant of semi-arid regions in the tropical lowlands, though it can be grown in moist regions so long as there is excellent drainage[].
Prefers a position in full sun, but also succeeds in partial shade[, ]. Succeeds in most well-drained soils[]. Established plants are somewhat tolerant of drought[]. Tolerant of maritime exposure[].
The plant was introduced as an ornamental into the Old World tropics long ago and occasionally escapes from cultivation into grassland and thickets, generally at low elevations[].
The plant produces flowers on and off all year long, and especially during hot weather[].

Edible Uses

The tuberous roots can be eaten after roasting[, ].

Medicinal

The seed oil is sometimes used as a cathartic, although it may cause strong irritation and even poisoning. The oil is applied both internally and externally as an abortifacient[].

Seeds are used fresh as a purgative and emetic[, ]. A very powerful purgative, their use has been almost abandoned in traditional medicine in Mexico, although they are officinal in the Mexican Pharmacopoeia[].

The latex is used externally in the treatment of infected wounds, ulcers, skin infections and scabies. In Indonesia one of its local names is 'yodium' ('iodine'), which reflects the popular use as a wound-healing remedy[].

In Indo-China, dried roots are given as a decoction against indigestion and colic; they are also prescribed as a tonic to treat orchitis and oedemas[, ].

The leaves contain saponins[]. They are used as a purgative, and in the treatment of dysentery and scabies[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Jatropha multifida is widely grown, often in hedges, for its ornamental foliage and flowers[, ].

Other Uses

The seeds contain around 30% of a non-edible oil that can be used for illumination[].

Propagation

Seed -
Cuttings.

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