Status:
valid
Authors:
Pax
Source:
wcs
Year:
1910
Citation Micro:
Pflanzenr. , IV, 147, I: 68 (1910)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000219970
Common Names
- Jatropha somalensis
- Somalensis Physic Nut
- Somalensis Barbados Nut
Description
Jatropha somalensis (also called Somali jatropha, among many other common names) is a shrub native to tropical regions of East Africa. It has yellow flowers and small, glossy leaves. It grows in dry, tropical climates and is often found in open woodland areas.
Uses & Benefits
Jatropha somalensis is an ornamental plant that is used in gardens and as a hedge plant. It is also used as a windbreak and has a high drought tolerance. The plant has a high oil content and can be used to make biodiesel.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Jatropha somalensis is yellow in color and has five petals. The seed is small, round and black in color. The seedlings are green in color and have two leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Jatropha somalensis is a shrub or small tree that grows to a height of 2–3 m. It is propagated by cuttings or by seed. Cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy plants and planted in a well-drained soil. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil and kept moist until germination. The seedlings should be transplanted when they are about 15 cm tall.
Where to Find Jatropha somalensis
Jatropha somalensis is native to Central America, from Mexico to Panama. It is found in dry and semi-arid areas, often in disturbed habitats.
Jatropha somalensis FAQ
What is the natural habitat of Jatropha somalensis?
Jatropha somalensis is native to Mexico.
What type of soil does Jatropha somalensis prefer?
Jatropha somalensis prefers well-drained, sandy soils.
What is the average height of Jatropha somalensis?
Jatropha somalensis typically grows to a height of 5-7 feet.
Species in the Jatropha genus
Jatropha aceroides,
Jatropha aethiopica,
Jatropha afrotuberosa,
Jatropha alamanii,
Jatropha andrieuxii,
Jatropha angustifolia,
Jatropha aspleniifolia,
Jatropha atacorensis,
Jatropha augusti,
Jatropha bartlettii,
Jatropha baumii,
Jatropha botswanica,
Jatropha breviloba,
Jatropha brockmanii,
Jatropha bullockii,
Jatropha campestris,
Jatropha canescens,
Jatropha capensis,
Jatropha cardiophylla,
Jatropha cathartica,
Jatropha catingae,
Jatropha chamelensis,
Jatropha chevalieri,
Jatropha ciliata,
Jatropha cinerea,
Jatropha clavuligera,
Jatropha collina,
Jatropha confusa,
Jatropha contrerasii,
Jatropha conzattii,
Jatropha cordata,
Jatropha costaricensis,
Jatropha crinita,
Jatropha cuneata,
Jatropha curcas,
Jatropha decipiens,
Jatropha decumbens,
Jatropha dehganii,
Jatropha dhofarica,
Jatropha dichtar,
Jatropha dioica,
Jatropha dissecta,
Jatropha divaricata,
Jatropha elbae,
Jatropha ellenbeckii,
Jatropha elliptica,
Jatropha erythropoda,
Jatropha euarguta,
Jatropha excisa,
Jatropha fremontioides,
Species in the Euphorbiaceae family
Acalypha peckoltii,
Acalypha peduncularis,
Acalypha pendula,
Acalypha perrieri,
Acalypha persimilis,
Acalypha peruviana,
Acalypha pervilleana,
Acalypha phleoides,
Acalypha phyllonomifolia,
Acalypha pilosa,
Acalypha pippenii,
Acalypha pittieri,
Acalypha platyphylla,
Acalypha pleiogyne,
Acalypha plicata,
Acalypha pohliana,
Acalypha poiretii,
Acalypha polymorpha,
Acalypha polystachya,
Acalypha portoricensis,
Acalypha pruinosa,
Acalypha pruriens,
Acalypha pseudalopecuroides,
Acalypha pseudovagans,
Acalypha psilostachya,
Acalypha pubiflora,
Acalypha pulchrespicata,
Acalypha punctata,
Acalypha purpurascens,
Acalypha purpusii,
Acalypha pycnantha,
Acalypha pygmaea,
Acalypha radians,
Acalypha radicans,
Acalypha radinostachya,
Acalypha radula,
Acalypha radula,
Acalypha rafaelensis,
Acalypha raivavensis,
Acalypha rapensis,
Acalypha reflexa,
Acalypha repanda,
Acalypha retifera,
Acalypha rhombifolia,
Acalypha rhomboidea,
Acalypha richardiana,
Acalypha riedeliana,
Acalypha rivularis,
Acalypha rottleroides,
Acalypha rubrinervis,