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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was when 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 quick rate, is hazardous, and produces fuel fit for diesel engines. Keep reading for more Jatropha tree details 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 simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical places. The plant lives for up to 50 years and may grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot that makes it adaptable to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially visually attractive, however it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which become a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These large black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, since 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 proves how adaptable and durable the plant is even when introduced to a new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is an excellent replacement for present biofuels. Its usefulness has been challenged, but 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 go into food production. Scientists are attempting to establish a "extremely Jatropha" with larger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to consume due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medicinal. It is useful in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant might have stemmed in Central to South America, but it has been presented worldwide and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha uses is its prospective as a clean burning fuel to replace fossil fuels. Plantation cultivation in particular areas has actually been attempted, but overall Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a depressing failure. This is due to the fact that the production mass of oil can not equal the land usage by cropping Jatropha.

Plant Care and Growth

The plant is easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to quicker maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm climates, but it can make it through a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the best development will be accomplished with extra watering periodically. It does not have any significant disease or pest problems in its natural regions. It may be pruned, but flowers and fruit form on terminal growth, so it is best to wait till after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is necessary. This plant is helpful as a hedge or living fence, or simply 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 former expert chef, she wants edible landscaping.