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

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was when touted 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 rapid rate, is hazardous, and produces fuel suitable for diesel motor. Continue reading for more Jatropha tree information and see how you rate this plant.

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree?

Jatropha is a seasonal shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical locations. The plant lives for up to 50 years and might grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) high. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it versatile to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly visually enticing, but it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These big black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, because they are high in burnable oil. An interesting piece of Jatropha tree details is that it is noted as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This proves how versatile and durable the plant is even when introduced to a new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a good replacement for current biofuels. Its usefulness has been challenged, however 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 could enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "very 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 harmful to consume due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medicinal. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously 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 prospective as a clean burning fuel to replace nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in specific areas has been attempted, however general Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a depressing failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equate to the land use by cropping Jatropha.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to quicker maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm environments, but it can make it through a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the best growth will be accomplished with additional watering periodically. It does not have any major illness or bug problems in its natural areas. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit type on terminal growth, so it is best to wait up until after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is needed. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or simply as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

Gardening ideas, videos, information and more provided right to your inbox!

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

Bonnie Grant is an expert landscaper with a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and composing for 15 years. A previous professional chef, she wants edible landscaping.