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

jatropha curcas (Jatropha curcas) was once touted as the new wunderkind plant for biofuel. What is a Jatropha curcas tree? The tree or bush grows in any kind of soil at a quick rate, is harmful, and produces fuel fit for diesel engines. Continue 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 areas. The plant lives for approximately 50 years and might grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot that makes it versatile to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly aesthetically attractive, 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 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 versatile and durable the plant is even when introduced to a new region. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a good alternative to present biofuels. Its usefulness has been challenged, however 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 debate, as it needs land that could go into food production. Scientists are attempting to establish a "very Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

jatropha curcas usages are rather . Most parts of the plant are hazardous to eat due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medical. It is useful in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, however it has actually been introduced all over the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha uses is its prospective as a tidy burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in specific locations has actually been tried, but overall Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a disappointing failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equal the land usage by cropping Jatropha.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is simple 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 best growth will be achieved with additional watering periodically. It does not have any significant illness or bug concerns in its natural areas. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit form on terminal development, so it is best to wait up until after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is required. This plant is useful as a hedge or living fence, or simply as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

Gardening ideas, videos, details 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 an expert landscaper with a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A previous professional chef, she wants edible landscaping.