Jatropha, Biodiesel (Jatropha curcas) potted shrub, organic

Family:  Spurge (Euphorbiaceae)

Hardiness:  Protect from frost.

Tropical woody perennial shrub to small tree to 20 feet, native to the American tropics.  Highly drought-tolerant, this plant can be grown in tropical wastelands or in the desert.  Containing up to 40% oil, the seeds can be processed to produce biodiesel that will run a standard diesel engine.  This is probably the most highly valued of all green diesel plants.  Seeds are also the source for the toxic molecule known as toxalbumin curcin–internal use not recommended. Also source of an alkaloid known as jatrophine.  Traditional uses:  External use of the plant for medicinal purposes is well documented.  The latex is used for treating rheumatism and for treating sores on domestic stock, also as an emollient for treating hemorrhoids.  The bark of the plant yields a blue dye.  Plant prefers full sun, high temperatures, little water and very fast-draining (sandy or gravely, even saline) soils.

Potted Plant, Certified Organically Grown