what is jatropha
1 Jatropha is a special plant that produces seeds from which oil can be extracted. 2  Many plants produce oil-bearing seeds, and oils such as sunflower oil, peanut oil, and even canola oil have been used for cooking and flavoring food, lubricating mechanical parts, and even treating a variety of human ailments.ow to Use Jatropha as an Energy Source. 1  The oil of the Jatropha plant can be used to effectively power both stationary and mobile diesel engines. 2  Diesel is considered to be a dirtier and less refined fuel source, and many diesel engines are specifically designed to handle the impurities found in diesel fuel.