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

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was as soon as 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 fit for diesel engines. Keep reading for more Jatropha tree information and see how you rate this plant.

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree?

jatropha curcas is a perennial shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical places. The plant lives for approximately 50 years and may grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) tall. 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 particularly aesthetically appealing, but 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, because they are high in burnable oil. A fascinating piece of jatropha curcas tree details is that it is noted as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This shows how adaptable and sturdy the plant is even when presented to a brand-new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a good alternative to present biofuels. Its effectiveness has been challenged, however it is true the plant can produce seeds with an oil content of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel argument, as it requires land that could enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to establish a "extremely Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to consume due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medicinal. It is useful in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have originated in Central to South America, but it has been presented worldwide and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst jatropha curcas uses is its prospective as a tidy burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in certain areas has actually been tried, however total Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a depressing failure. This is due to the fact that the production mass of oil can not equate to the land usage by cropping jatropha curcas.

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 prefers warm environments, but it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best growth will be achieved with extra watering periodically. It doesn't have any significant illness or bug problems in its natural regions. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit type on terminal growth, so it is best to wait until after blooming. 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, info and more provided 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 composing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she wants edible landscaping.