Jatropha curcas
Care consensus, photos, and the collectors growing it.
- Common name
- barbados nut
- Plant type
- Tree
- Growth habit
- Upright
- Light
- Full sun
- Watering
- Medium
- Temperature
- Tropical
- Humidity
- Moderate
- Propagation
- Seed grown
- Native range
- Tropical regions of Central and South America
- Toxic to pets
- Toxic
- Toxic to people
- Toxic
- public plants
- 0 public plants
- collectors
- 0 collectors
What Jatropha curcas is
Jatropha curcas is an upright tree from the tropical parts of Central and South America. You will recognize it by its distinct vertical growth habit.
Living with this tree requires a commitment to full sun and moderate humidity. It is best handled by someone who appreciates a plant that holds its shape over time.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
All parts of the plant, especially the seeds, contain toxic proteins and curcin that cause severe irritation if ingested.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI. Not veterinary or medical advice — check with a professional before letting a pet or a child near an unfamiliar plant.
People and Jatropha curcas
How our relationship with this plant has changed over time.
- Pre-colonial
Early use
Indigenous populations in the Americas first utilized the plant for medicinal and oil-bearing properties.
- 16th century
Global movement
Portuguese explorers helped move the plant from its native regions to new locations in Africa and Asia.
- 20th century
Agricultural interest
The plant drew wider attention for the potential of its seeds to produce oil for industrial use.
- Present
Modern collection
You likely grow this tree as an ornamental specimen in tropical climates or managed indoor spaces.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
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Start a collectionFrequently asked about Jatropha curcas
Quick answers pulled from the public catalog and care consensus above.
What is Jatropha curcas?
Jatropha curcas is a species in the Jatropha genus. Commonly known as barbados nut, a tree, and with a upright growth habit. Native to Tropical regions of Central and South America.
How do you care for Jatropha curcas?
Reference care guidance for Jatropha curcas: full sun light, medium watering, tropical temperatures, and moderate humidity. Collectors on collecto.rs will refine this as more public specimens are added.
How rare is Jatropha curcas?
No public collectors on collecto.rs track Jatropha curcas yet — adding yours would make you the first.
What else is Jatropha curcas called?
Jatropha curcas is also known as Jatropha curcas, Curcas curcas, Curcas adansonii, Manihot curcas, and Curcas indica.
Where can I see real photos of Jatropha curcas?
Photos from real collectors will appear here once members start tracking Jatropha curcas on collecto.rs. Sign up to add the first set.
Can I track my own Jatropha curcas on collecto.rs?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your Jatropha curcas, upload photos, track care notes, and connect with other Jatropha curcas collectors. Your collection stays private by default; you choose what to make public.