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

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 rapid rate, is poisonous, and produces fuel suitable for diesel engines. Read on for more jatropha curcas tree details and see how you rate this plant.

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree?

jatropha curcas is a seasonal 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 may grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) high. It has a deep, thick taproot that makes it adaptable to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially aesthetically appealing, however it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These big black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, due to the fact that they are high in burnable oil. A fascinating piece of Jatropha tree details is that it is listed as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This proves how adaptable and hardy the plant is even when presented to a new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is an excellent alternative for current biofuels. Its effectiveness has actually 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 needs land that might enter into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a "very Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are toxic to consume due to the latex sap, however it is utilized as a medicinal. It is helpful in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant might have come from Central to South America, however it has been presented worldwide and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among jatropha curcas uses is its potential as a clean burning fuel to replace fossil fuels. Plantation cultivation in particular areas has actually been tried, but overall 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 usage by cropping jatropha curcas.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in faster maturity and quicker seed . It chooses warm climates, however it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the finest development will be achieved with additional watering sometimes. It does not have any significant disease or insect issues in its natural areas. It might be pruned, however flowers and fruit form on terminal growth, so it is best to wait up until after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is essential. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or simply as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

Gardening pointers, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!

Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and get 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 an Accreditation in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A former expert chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.