Seeds of Jatropha curcas L., J. mollissima L. and J. podagrica Hook, were analysed for oil and fatty acid contents. Oil content in J. curcas, varied from 23 to 34%, and its composition in fatty acids was: palmitic acid, 15-17%; oleic acid, 30-33%; and linoleic acid, 42-52%; the wide range observed for each component was probably due to differences among varieties and environmental conditions. Seeds of J. mollissima with clear and dark testa pigments showed 30% and 20% of oil content, respectively. Both types of seeds presented similar fatty acid contents: palmitic acid 19%, oleic acid 21% and linoleic acid 52%. Seeds of J. podagrica presented the highest oil content (46%), and the main fatty acids found were: palmitic acid (9%), oleic acid (11%) and linoleic acid (77%).
Jatropha spp.; physic-nut; oil; fatty acids