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Jatropha is locally known in the Philippines as tuba-tuba, tawa-tawa, kalunay, kasla, and tangan- tangan. It grows in different areas in the country. It is a non-edible oil-yielding perennial shrub. It can grow up to 5 meters high with green leaves having length and width of 6 cm to 15 cm. Originally, it is found in tropical American country as well as in West Asia and is known to resist drought.

All over the world, jatropha has 176 species, 12 of which found in India alone. Its propagation is usually through seeds, vegetative cuttings or tissue culture. It can grow to any kind of soil with a higher quantity to places with high rainfall or irrigated areas. Though, it still grows in places with low rainfall but expect fewer quantities. And of course, farming techniques such as fertilizer application, pest and disease management, weeding and others can help in growing this plant. Life span of this plant ranges from 35- 50 years.

With its effects on the environment and variety of uses even in the economics, jatropha is advantageous over the other biodiesel feedstock. Traditionally, jatropha is used as medicine, soap, pesticide, or fuel oil for lighting.

The Philippine National Oil Company- Alternative Fuels Corporation (PNOC-AFC) has a project to establish jatropha mega-nurseries, plantations and biodiesel refineries which is possible to be established in Mindanao. This project is to anticipate the increase of demand for biodiesel to 167 million by this year at 2 % blend. This is in connection to the enactment of the Biofuels Act of 2006.

A hectare of land is most favorable for planting 2,500 seeds of jatropha at a spacing of 2mx2m. Like any other plants, nursery which increases the survivability of the planting material is important to develop a jatropha plantation. On the other hand, for 1,667 seedlings, spacing can be increased to 2mx3m. Locally, jatropha is sold at 10- 15 pesos per seedling and 5- 10 pesos per cutting. Its costly price is due to narrow sources who are selling it in the Philippines. Seeds produced per hectare are estimated to 5 MT to 7 MT per hectare, depending on the agro-climatic conditions.

With a good quality seed plantation, a jatropha seed contains 30%- 40% oils, while its kernel contains 40% up to 58% oil.