Jatropha curcas belongs to the family. Euphorbiaceae and is thus related to other important
cultivated plants like rubber, varan, neem etc. It is believed to be a native of South America, Africa & the Caribbean. It was introduced by Portuguese traders in the 16th century in India and since then Jatropha has been grown as a medicinal plant & hedge crop.
There are number of varities of Jatropha now thrive in India's varied regional climate. It is found in almost all the states & is generally grown as a live fence for protection of agricultural fields from damage by live stock as it is not eaten by cattle or goat.Amongst all the variety,
JATROPHA curcas is the best since the seed oil is reported to possess insecticidal, mollucicidal, fungicidal & nimaticidal properties. Some of the jatropha varieties are as under:
» Jatropha curcas (Non-toxic) -suitable species for Jatropha oil and biodiesel production.» Jatropha curcas integrerrima.
» Jatropha Gossypifolia.
» Jatropha Glandulifera.
» Jatropha Tranjorensis.
» Jatropha Multifield.
» Jatropha Podagrica.
