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

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was as soon as touted 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 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 seasonal 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 might grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it versatile to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially visually attractive, but it does get appealing 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, since 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 versatile and hardy the plant is even when presented to a new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a good alternative to current biofuels. Its effectiveness has actually been challenged, however it holds true the plant can produce seeds with an oil content 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 attempting to develop a "incredibly Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are harmful to eat due to the latex sap, but it is used as a medicinal. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, but it has been introduced around the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha utilizes is its potential as a tidy burning fuel to replace fossil fuels. Plantation growing in specific areas has been tried, however general Jatropha curcas cultivation has actually been a dismal 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 faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm environments, but it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best development will be accomplished with supplemental watering periodically. It doesn't have any major illness or bug problems in its natural regions. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit form on terminal development, 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 simply as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

Gardening pointers, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!

Sign up 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 an expert landscaper with a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has actually been gardening and writing for 15 years. A previous expert chef, she wants edible landscaping.