Jatropha curcas is a species of flowering plant in the genus Jatropha in spurge family, Euphorbiaceae, that is native to the American tropics, most likely Mexico and Central America. Jatropha curcas is best adapted to arid and semi-arid conditions. It is commonly known for bio-diesel production but it also produces high quality paper, soap, cosmetics, toothpaste, pipe joint cement, cough medicine and as a moistening agent in tobacco.