A Closer Look at the Jatropha: The Alternative Fuel Shrub

Posted by redspot | September 29, 2008 .

Jatropha is one plant discovered to contain oils that can create biodiesel when processed. Known as the Voodoo plant, high priests and priestess from long ago use these plants to heal diseases, especially the ones that affect the digestive system. Also, this plant is known to have the power to release the souls of the dead and cleanse evil spirits.

Jatropha is not an edible plant. It produces a rather poisonous sap and has a small, rounded fruit as big as a cherry. It is very abundant in Haiti and the entire Caribbean region. The seeds of Jatropha can produce oil, which can serve as the raw ingredient for biodiesel.

Right now, the U.S. and the rest of the nations interested in using alternative fuel are studying the characteristics of this plant in order to cultivate them in their own soils. Just recently, the U.S. has partnered with Brazil to help countries that enjoy the abundance of the Jatropha plant to process them into biodiesel. Such countries are Haiti, El Salvador, St. Kitts and Nevis, and the Domican Republic. Once these countries became strong producers of biodiesel, it won’t be long for them to become independent of importing gasoline themselves.

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