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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 fast rate, is poisonous, and produces fuel suitable for diesel engines. 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 areas. The plant lives for approximately 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 attractive green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These big black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, due to the fact that they are high in burnable oil. A fascinating 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 versatile and durable the plant is even when introduced to a new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a great replacement for current biofuels. Its effectiveness 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 debate, as it needs land that could enter into food production. Scientists are trying to establish a "very jatropha curcas" with bigger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

jatropha curcas uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to 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 might have originated in Central to South America, however it has actually been introduced around the globe and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha utilizes is its prospective as a clean burning fuel to replace nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in specific locations has actually been attempted, but general Jatropha curcas growing has been a disappointing failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equal the land usage by cropping Jatropha.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to much faster 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 very best development will be achieved with additional watering periodically. It doesn't have any significant illness or insect issues in its natural regions. It may be pruned, but flowers and fruit form on terminal growth, so it is best to wait until after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is necessary. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or just as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

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