Physic Nut (Jatropha curcas)

Family: Euphorbiaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

A drought-tolerant plant, Physic nut (Jatropha curcas) or also known as Jatropha, Purging Nut, and Barbados Nut is a deciduous small tree or shrub that can be found in tropical America. It has a thin crown, milky sap, small and yellowish-green flowers, and yellow capsule fruit. It should be noted that all plant parts of J. curcas are poisonous, thus extreme caution should be observed when using the plant for any internal use.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Shoots, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste, are purgative, and, if eaten in considerable quantities, poisonous. — Tender young shoots - cooked and used as a vegetable.; The young leaves may be safely eaten when steamed or stewed.; Some caution is advised - see notes above on toxicity.; Ashes from the roots and branches are used as cooking salt.

Habitat & North American Range

Grassland savannah and thorn forests. (Zone 9)