Physic nut
Jatropha curcas
Spurge (Euphoriaceae) Family
Description: This shrub or small tree has large, 3- to 5-parted alternate leaves. It has small, greenish-yellow flowers and its yellow, apple-sized fruits contain three large seeds.
CAUTION
The seeds taste sweet but their oil is violently purgative. All parts of the physic nut are poisonous.
Habitat and Distribution: Throughout the tropics and southern United States.
Survival index
All text and images from the U.S. Army Field Manual 3-05.70: Survival.
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