Jatropha curcas: complete guide

About Jatropha curcas

Jatropha curcas, the physic nut, belongs to the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). It is a tropical shrub or small tree with large, lobed leaves and small yellow flowers. The seeds contain oil and are poisonous to people and animals.

The species comes from tropical Central America and is not frost hardy. In cooler climates it is therefore grown in a pot that spends the winter indoors, or in a warm greenhouse. Wear gloves when pruning, because the milky sap can irritate the skin.