Jatropha Curcas is a shrub or tree of the Euphorbiaceae family, that grows up to a height of about 3-4 0r 3-8 meter high. Jatropha curcas is resistant to drought and can be planted in the desert climate, it thrives on any type of soil, it grows almost anywhere; in sandy, gravelly, saline soil and rocky crevices. It is a drought resistant perennial plant living up to 50 years, it has no insect pest.
The latex is usually translucent easily oxidised in air, turning blackish brown, the barks of Jatropha curcas are usually smooth, peeling off in thin layers, green to bronze-green, with a whitish slash. The stem is thick, smooth more or less densely spotted with small lenticels. Stipules are in pairs, triangular and 2-6mm long.
The fruits are usually green when young and turn brown/black when dry. The growth of this plant is rapid, it forms a thick live hedge after only a month planting and starts yielding from the second year onwards and continues for 40 years.
Sowing Instructions
Soak the seeds in water for one night before sowing. This should be done to soften the seed coat to facilitate faster germination.
Filling soil should be sandy and it is good to mix it with a little bit of compost. Ideal is sandy river soil. If it’s not available, use more compost for mixing available soil
Put 1 seed horizontally in each hole about 1 inch deep and cover with the soil.
Water them in the morning and evening until the young plants are 3 inches high (approx. 10-14 days).
After this water them only once a day and the best time is evening!