Barbados nut
The Barbados nut is a hardy but poisonous plant – the oil from its seeds is used as a laxative and as aviation fuel.
Barbados nut is cultivated in the tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is an extremely hardy plant, able to grow in almost any type of soil. The whole plant is poisonous, and oil from the seed provokes vomiting and severe diarrhoea.
The plant’s name in Danish, ‘Purgernød’, comes from the Latin purgare, meaning to clean or purge. This refers to the effect of the oil as a laxative.
The oil can also be used as biodiesel and as aviation fuel. Barbados nut is therefore included in India’s plans to reduce CO2 emissions.
Facts:
- Greenhouse location: Tropical house
- Danish name: Purgernød
- Latin name: Jatropha curcas
- Family: The spurge family / Euphorbiaceae
- Natural habitat: Amazon rainforest
Learn more about other plants here.