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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 type of soil at a fast rate, is poisonous, and produces fuel fit for diesel engines. Continue reading for more Jatropha tree info and see how you rate this plant.

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree?

Jatropha is a seasonal shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical places. The plant lives for up to 50 years and may grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) high. It has a deep, thick taproot that makes it adaptable to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly aesthetically attractive, however it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which become a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These large black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, since they are high in burnable oil. An interesting 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 sturdy the plant is even when presented to a brand-new area. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a good replacement for existing biofuels. Its usefulness has been challenged, however it holds true the plant can produce seeds with an oil content of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel dispute, as it requires land that could go into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a "very Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are toxic to eat due to the latex sap, but it is used as a medicinal. It is helpful in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant might have originated in Central to South America, however it has been presented around the globe and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha uses is its prospective as a clean burning fuel to replace nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in particular locations has actually been attempted, but overall Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a miserable failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equate to 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 make it through a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the finest development will be accomplished with extra watering sometimes. It doesn't have any significant illness or pest concerns in its natural regions. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit type on terminal development, 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 just as an specimen.

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