any plant of the genus Jatropha, esp the poisonous shrub Jatropha curcas, originating in Central America but also found in Asia and Africa; used mainly as a component for biofuel
Word origin
from Greek iatros physician + trophē nourishment
Examples of 'jatropha' in a sentence
jatropha
The jatropha grows in tropical and subtropical climates.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Although some countries have embraced jatropha, others are more cautious.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Jatropha has long been prized for its medicinal qualities.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Jatropha could be the answer.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
D1 has 110,000 hectares planted, and expects its first meaningful production of diesel from jatropha in 2008.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
It expects its first jatropha oil, which is derived from plant seeds, to be available for refining next year.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The hardy jatropha, resilient to pests and resistant to drought, produces seeds with up to 40 per cent oil content.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Neos will process and sell other nonedible crops, such as pongamia, neem and castor, as well as jatropha.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Every jatropha plant currently produces about 3kg of seed per year, which translates roughly into seven tonnes per hectare.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
There are no exact figures for the amount of land already under jatropha cultivation, but the area is expanding fast.