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

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was once promoted as the 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 harmful, 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 is a perennial shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. The plant lives for up to 50 years and might grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it adaptable to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially visually appealing, however it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which become 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 info is that it is noted as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This shows how versatile and sturdy the plant is even when introduced to a brand-new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is an excellent substitute for current biofuels. Its usefulness has actually 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 requires land that might enter into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a "very Jatropha" with larger seeds and, for that reason, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are toxic to eat due to the latex sap, but it is used as a medicinal. It is beneficial in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously 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 uses is its potential as a clean burning fuel to replace fossil fuels. Plantation cultivation in certain areas has actually been attempted, but overall Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a miserable failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equate to the land usage by cropping Jatropha.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in quicker maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm climates, but it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the finest growth will be achieved with additional watering periodically. It does not have any significant disease or pest issues in its natural areas. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit type on terminal growth, so it is best to wait until after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is required. This plant is helpful as a hedge or living fence, or simply as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

Gardening pointers, videos, info 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 an Accreditation in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and composing for 15 years. A former expert chef, she wants edible landscaping.