Jatropha is a shrub or tree which can grow up to 6 meters in size. It originates from South America but is widely grown now in the tropic regions. Jatropha can grow in areas ranging from tropical very dry to moist through subtropical to wet forest life zones. When planted the tree grows readily from seeds or cuttings. The plant can grow on poor soil whilst still producing reasonable yields.

The trees grow seeds which contain approximately 37% oil content. Yields range from 6 to 8 MT/ha when a plantation reaches its maximum output within 2 years. Based on the oil content the seed produces 1.9 up to 2.6 MT/ha of oil. The oil is a one stage conversion to biodiesel. As a comparison palm plantations give an average oil yield of 5,4 MT/ha.

The seeds can be harvested all at once by picking or collecting. The oils can be pressed or expelled using chemical solvents. The oil and the oil cake are inedible since the seed contains toxic substances. The oil can be converted into biodiesel, the oil cake can be used as fertilizer or for medicinal purposes.

Although the oil output from Jatropha is second compared to the oil output from palm fruits, the main advantages are:

• Grows on poor soils so it does not compete with food production

• The oil is more suitable for biodiesel and does not need extensive treatment

• The biodiesel derived from the Jatropha seeds has a substantially higher solidification point, making it more suitable to be used for temperate climate regions.

• Within the first year Jatropha plantations are producing yields with an optimal output after 2 years.

Source: James A. Duke. 1983. Handbook of Energy Crops.