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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 harmful, and produces fuel suitable for diesel engines. Read on for more Jatropha tree info 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 places. The plant lives for approximately 50 years and may grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) high. It has a deep, thick taproot that makes it versatile to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially visually enticing, however it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which develop into a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These big black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, since 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 versatile and durable the plant is even when presented to a new area. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is an excellent alternative to existing biofuels. Its effectiveness has been challenged, however it is true the plant can produce seeds with an oil content of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel debate, as it needs land that might enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "extremely jatropha curcas" with bigger seeds and, for that reason, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to consume due to the latex sap, but it is used as a medical. It is helpful in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, however it has actually been introduced worldwide and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha utilizes is its potential as a clean burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in specific areas has been attempted, but general Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a dismal failure. This is because 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 or seed. Cuttings result in faster maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm climates, but it can make it through a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best growth will be achieved with supplemental watering sometimes. It does not have any significant illness or pest problems in its natural areas. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit kind on terminal development, so it is best to wait up until after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is necessary. This plant is beneficial as a hedge or living fence, or simply as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

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