curcas

Curcas refers to the genus Jatropha, a group of flowering plants in the family Euphorbiaceae. The most well-known species within this genus is Jatropha curcas, commonly known as physic nut or Barbados nut. This plant is a shrub or small tree native to tropical regions of the Americas, but it has been widely naturalized and cultivated in other tropical and subtropical areas globally.

Jatropha curcas is characterized by its glossy, lobed leaves and small, yellowish flowers. The plant produces fruit, which are capsules containing seeds. These seeds are the most significant part of the plant due to their oil content. The oil extracted from Jatropha curcas seeds has garnered attention for its potential use as a biofuel, as it can be converted into biodiesel.

The plant itself is relatively hardy and can grow in arid or semi-arid conditions, making it a candidate for cultivation in areas where food crops might struggle. However, it's important to note that all parts of the Jatropha curcas plant, particularly the seeds, are toxic if ingested due to the presence of phorbol esters. For this reason, while the oil can be processed for industrial use, direct consumption is not recommended. Research continues into optimizing its cultivation and the properties of its oil.