Botanical description
Jatropha curcas L. (physic nut) is a semi-evergreen perennial crop of the Euphorbiaceae family. It is a large shrub or small tree, which normally grows up to 3-5 m in height, but under favorable conditions, can reach the 8 m. Normally, five roots are formed from seedlings, one central and four peripheral. Branches contain latex. Leaves are large, alternate to sub-opposite, with a petiole ranging between 5-20 cm, and 3 to 5-lobed. The inflorescences are axillary paniculate polychasial cymes. It is a monoecious plant with flowers formed terminally and individually. The female flowers are usually slightly larger and the ratio of male to female flowers ranges from 13:1 to 29:1, decreasing with the age of the plant. The flowers are pollinated by insects, especially honey bees. Fruits are trilocular ellipsoidal green, turned to yellow and eventually dry and black when the seeds are mature (3–4 months after flowering). The seeds are black and on average 18 mm long and 10 mm wide. Each kilogram contains approx. 1370 seeds. Plants can bear fruits for 25-35 years, while the life-span is more than 50 years.
