When you purchase through links on our website, we might make an affiliate commission. Here's how it works.

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was when promoted as the brand-new wunderkind plant for biofuel. What is a Jatropha curcas tree? The tree or bush grows in any type of soil at a fast rate, is hazardous, and produces fuel suitable for diesel engines. Read on for more jatropha curcas tree info and see how you rate this plant.

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree?

Jatropha is a perennial shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical places. The plant lives for up to 50 years and might grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) high. It has a deep, thick taproot that makes it versatile to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially aesthetically enticing, however it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These large black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, since they are high in burnable oil. An intriguing piece of Jatropha tree information is that it is noted as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This proves how adaptable and durable the plant is even when introduced to a brand-new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a good alternative to existing biofuels. Its usefulness has been challenged, but it holds true the plant can produce seeds with an oil material of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel dispute, as it needs land that might enter into food production. Scientists are trying to establish a "extremely Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, for that reason, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to consume due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medical. It works in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant might have come from Central to South America, however it has actually been introduced all over the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha uses is its potential as a tidy burning fuel to replace fossil fuels. Plantation growing in specific locations has been attempted, however total Jatropha curcas cultivation has actually been a depressing failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equal the land usage by cropping jatropha curcas.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in quicker maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm climates, however it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the best development will be achieved with additional watering occasionally. It does not have any significant illness or bug problems in its natural areas. It might be pruned, however flowers and fruit kind on terminal development, so it is best to wait till after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is required. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or just as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

Gardening suggestions, videos, information and more delivered right to your inbox!

Register for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".

Bonnie Grant is a professional landscaper with an Accreditation in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A previous professional chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.