When you acquire through links on our site, 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 rapid rate, is poisonous, and produces fuel fit for diesel engines. Keep reading for more Jatropha tree info 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 simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical locations. The plant lives for as much as 50 years and may grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot that makes it adaptable to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially visually attractive, however it does get attractive 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, because they are high in burnable oil. An intriguing piece of Jatropha tree details 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 introduced to a brand-new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a great substitute for current biofuels. Its usefulness has been challenged, but it is 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 develop a "incredibly jatropha curcas" with larger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are hazardous to consume due to the latex sap, however it is utilized as a medicinal. It works in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant might have stemmed in Central to South America, but it has been introduced around the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha utilizes is its possible as a clean burning fuel to replace nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in specific areas has been tried, but total Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a dismal failure. This is because the 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 result in quicker maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm environments, but it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best development will be attained with supplemental watering sometimes. It doesn't have any significant disease or bug problems in its natural areas. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit form on terminal development, so it is best to wait up until after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is necessary. This plant is useful as a hedge or living fence, or just as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

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

Register for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive 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 writing for 15 years. A previous expert chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.