Jatropha is a small tree or shrub with smooth gray bark, which exudes whitish colored, watery latex when cut. It grows between three and five meters in height, but can attain a height of up to eight or ten meters under favorable conditions. Oil has a very high saponification value and is being extensively used as a BIO DIESEL. Its used for making soap in some countries and as an illuminant as it burns without emitting smoke. Oil cake of Jatropha is rich in nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium and can be used as organic manure. It is a drought resistant shrub with a smooth gray bark.

It contains anti-cancerous properties. It is also used as an external application for skin diseases and rheumatism and for sores on domestic livestock. In addition, the tender twigs of the plant are used for cleaning teeth, while the juice of the leaf is used as an external application for piles. The roots are used as an antidote for snakebites. A decoction of roots and leaves is given for diarrhoea. Root bark is used in external applications for sore.