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Jatropha (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 toxic, 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 easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. The plant lives for up to 50 years and might 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 particularly visually appealing, however it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which develop into a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These big black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, because they are high in burnable oil. An interesting piece of jatropha curcas 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 durable the plant is even when presented to a new region. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is an excellent substitute for current biofuels. Its usefulness has been challenged, but it is true the plant can produce seeds with an of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel debate, as it requires land that could enter into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a "incredibly jatropha curcas" with larger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are toxic to eat due to the latex sap, however it is utilized as a medical. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant might have come from in Central to South America, however it has actually been presented around the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha uses is its prospective as a tidy burning fuel to change fossil fuels. Plantation growing in particular locations has been attempted, however total Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a dismal failure. This is due to the fact that the production mass of oil can not equate to the land use by cropping Jatropha.

jatropha curcas Plant Care and Growth

The plant is easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in quicker maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm environments, but it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best growth will be accomplished with extra watering occasionally. It doesn't have any major illness or pest concerns in its natural areas. 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 needed. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or simply as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

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Bonnie Grant is an expert landscaper with an Accreditation in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A former expert chef, she wants edible landscaping.