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

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was when promoted as the 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 toxic, and produces fuel suitable for diesel engines. Keep reading for more jatropha curcas tree details 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 places. The plant lives for approximately 50 years and may 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 especially aesthetically attractive, 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 reason for all the hullaballoo, due to the fact that they are high in burnable oil. An intriguing 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 adaptable and durable the plant is even when presented to a new area. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a great alternative to existing biofuels. Its effectiveness has been challenged, however it holds true the plant can seeds with an oil content of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel argument, as it needs land that might go into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a "super Jatropha" with larger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are harmful to consume due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medical. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have originated in Central to South America, but it has actually been presented worldwide and flourishes wild in places 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 certain areas has actually been tried, but total Jatropha curcas cultivation has actually been a depressing failure. This is since 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 much faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm climates, however it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the finest growth will be accomplished with extra watering sometimes. It doesn't have any significant disease or insect issues in its natural areas. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit form on terminal growth, so it is best to wait up until after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is needed. This plant is beneficial as a hedge or living fence, or simply as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

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

Register for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and get a complimentary 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 actually been gardening and composing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she wants edible landscaping.