Jatropha curcas

Finally my FYP has come to an end. I shall give a short introduction of the plant I have been worked on for the past four months.


Jatropha curcas belongs to the family of Euphorbiaceae. It is originated from Central America. Other names given are Physic Nut, Barbados Nut and Purging Nut. It's a hardy shrub that can grow up to a height of three to five metres. Jatropha curcas is monoecious (consist of both male and female reproductive units) and produces male and female flowers in the same inflorescence (a group or cluster of flowers arranged on a stem). Jatropha's fruits are also toxic and inedible.

So what's so great about this plant? In the past, Jatropha is used to make soaps, candles and used as traditional medicine. Currently, the oil from the seeds of Jatropha is being used as biodiesel. Flight test running on jatropha oil has been successful too. Therefore, it can be used as one of the alternative energy sources, which is sustainable and environmental friendly, in compacting global warming.



Interestingly, a close relative of Jatropha curcas, called Jatropha intergerrima, can be found on streets of Singapore. It has attractive small red flowers. I shall take a photo of it if i find one.