Jatropha Curcas

Jatropha Curcas L., also known as Physic Nut is a oil-seed bearing tree with thick and glorious branchlets. The tree grows with straight trunk and reddish or grey bark, covered by white patches. The alternately arranged leaves are green in color and 6 to 15 cm size by length and width and has 5 to 7 shallow lobes.

The genus name Jatropha derives from the Greek words 'jatros' (meaning: doctor) and 'tropha' (meaning: food), Curcas is the common name for physic nut in India. Jatropha plant has been traditionally used for different medicinal purposes and as hedges to protect the fields since animals do not graze it.

On average, each tree produces about four to five kilograms of seeds per year when it is grown under optimal methods & conditions. It has a long productive period of around 30 - 50 years. Jatropha curcas seeds gives higher oil yield than peanut, sunflower, soya, cotton or maize when cultivated under optimal conditions.

Compared to other traditional crops, Jatropha Curcas can grow relatively well in marginal area. It can help to reclaim degraded land and protects the soil from erosion. The trees are easy to establish from seeds, saplings or cuttings. The plant grows relatively quickly and produces seed after 18 months.

The byproducts of the biodiesel processing from the seeds are glycerol and press cake, which are nitrogen-rich and has good commercial value as fertiliser, base for soap making and cosmetics.