When you buy through links on our website, we might earn 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 quick rate, is harmful, and produces fuel suitable for diesel engines. Continue reading for more jatropha curcas 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 places. The plant lives for up to 50 years and might grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot that makes it adaptable to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly visually attractive, but it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which develop into a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These big black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, since they are high in burnable oil. An intriguing piece of jatropha curcas tree info is that it is listed as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This proves how and hardy the plant is even when introduced to a new area. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a good replacement for present biofuels. Its effectiveness has been challenged, but it is real 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 could enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to establish a "super Jatropha" with larger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are hazardous to consume due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medical. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, but it has actually been introduced around the globe and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha utilizes is its potential as a clean burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in particular locations has been attempted, but total Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a miserable failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equate to the land usage by cropping Jatropha.

jatropha curcas Plant Care and Growth

The plant is easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in quicker maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm climates, but it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best development will be achieved with supplemental watering periodically. It doesn't have any significant illness or insect problems in its natural regions. It might 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 necessary. This plant is beneficial as a hedge or living fence, or just 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 been gardening and writing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she has an enthusiasm for edible landscaping.