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

jatropha curcas (Jatropha curcas) was when touted as the new wunderkind plant for biofuel. What is a tree? The tree or bush grows in any type of soil at a fast rate, is poisonous, 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 locations. The plant lives for as much as 50 years and may grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) high. It has a deep, thick taproot that makes it versatile to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially aesthetically appealing, but it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which develop into 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. An intriguing piece of Jatropha tree details is that it is noted as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This proves how adaptable and hardy the plant is even when presented to a new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is an excellent alternative to existing 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 argument, as it needs land that might enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to establish a "very Jatropha" with larger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to consume 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 stemmed in Central to South America, but it has actually been introduced worldwide and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha utilizes is its possible as a clean burning fuel to replace nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in certain areas has actually been tried, however total Jatropha curcas growing has been a dismal failure. This is due to the fact that the production mass of oil can not equal the land use by cropping jatropha curcas.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to much faster 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 best development will be accomplished with additional watering periodically. It does not have any significant disease or bug concerns in its natural regions. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit type on terminal growth, so it is best to wait up until after flowering. No other jatropha curcas plant care is necessary. This plant is helpful as a hedge or living fence, or simply as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

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

Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".

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