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

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was once touted as the brand-new wunderkind plant for biofuel. What is a Jatropha curcas tree? The tree or bush grows in any kind of soil at a quick rate, is harmful, and produces fuel fit for diesel engines. Read on for more Jatropha tree info and see how you rate this plant.

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree?

jatropha curcas is a seasonal shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical locations. The plant lives for as much as 50 years and may grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it versatile to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly aesthetically appealing, however it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which develop into a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These large black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, because they are high in burnable oil. A fascinating piece of Jatropha tree info is that it is listed as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This shows how versatile and durable the plant is even when presented to a brand-new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a good alternative to present biofuels. Its effectiveness has been challenged, however it holds true the plant can produce seeds with an oil content of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel dispute, as it needs land that might go into food production. Scientists are trying to establish a "very Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

jatropha curcas usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are toxic to consume due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medicinal. It is useful in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant may have stemmed in Central to South America, but it has been introduced all over the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha utilizes is its prospective as a tidy burning fuel to replace nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in particular locations has actually been attempted, however total Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a dismal failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equal the land use by cropping Jatropha.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to quicker maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm environments, however it can make it through a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the finest growth will be attained with supplemental watering occasionally. It doesn't have any major disease or insect problems in its natural regions. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit type on terminal growth, so it is best to wait till after blooming. No other jatropha curcas plant care is necessary. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or just as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

Gardening suggestions, videos, info and more provided right to your inbox!

Register for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and get 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 composing for 15 years. A previous professional chef, she has an enthusiasm for edible landscaping.