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

jatropha curcas (Jatropha curcas) was once promoted as the brand-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 toxic, and produces fuel fit for diesel motor. Read on 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 easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical locations. The plant lives for up to 50 years and may grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) high. 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 visually attractive, but it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which turn into 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. A fascinating piece of jatropha curcas tree information is that it is listed as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This shows how adaptable and sturdy the plant is even when presented to a brand-new region. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is an excellent replacement for 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 argument, as it requires land that could enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to establish a "incredibly Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to eat due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medical. It is helpful in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant might 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 amongst Jatropha uses is its prospective as a tidy burning fuel to change fossil fuels. Plantation growing in certain areas has actually been tried, but general Jatropha curcas growing has been a depressing failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equal the land use by cropping jatropha curcas.

jatropha curcas 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 prefers warm environments, but it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best development will be achieved with supplemental watering sometimes. It does not have any major disease or bug concerns in its natural areas. It might be pruned, however flowers and fruit form on terminal development, so it is best to wait till after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is essential. This plant is useful as a hedge or living fence, or just as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

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

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

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