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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was when 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 motor. Continue reading for more Jatropha tree info 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 as much as 50 years and may grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it adaptable to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially visually enticing, however it does get attractive 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. 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 shows how versatile and durable the plant is even when introduced to a brand-new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is an excellent replacement for current biofuels. Its usefulness has been challenged, but it holds 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 requires land that might enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "extremely Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are hazardous to eat due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medical. It is useful in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have originated in Central to South America, but it has actually been introduced around the globe and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha uses is its potential as a clean burning fuel to change fossil fuels. Plantation growing in specific locations has been attempted, however total Jatropha curcas cultivation has actually been a miserable failure. This is due to the fact that the production mass of oil can not equal the land use 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 climates, but it can make it through a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the best development will be attained with extra watering sometimes. It doesn't have any major disease or bug concerns in its natural regions. It may 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 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 composing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.