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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was when promoted 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 fast rate, is poisonous, and produces fuel suitable for diesel motor. Keep reading for more Jatropha tree information 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 simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. The plant lives for up to 50 years and might 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 especially aesthetically appealing, but it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These large black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, because they are high in burnable oil. An interesting piece of Jatropha tree information is that it is listed as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This proves how versatile and hardy the plant is even when introduced to a new region. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a great alternative for current biofuels. Its effectiveness has actually been challenged, but 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 dispute, as it requires land that could go into food production. Scientists are trying to establish a "super Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are harmful to eat due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medical. It works in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant might have originated in Central to South America, however it has actually been introduced around the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha uses is its possible as a clean burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in certain locations has been attempted, however general Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a miserable failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equate to the land use by cropping 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 climates, however it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best development will be attained with supplemental watering periodically. It doesn't have any major illness or bug issues in its natural areas. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit kind on terminal growth, so it is best to wait till after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is necessary. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or just 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 composing for 15 years. A previous professional chef, she wants edible landscaping.