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

jatropha curcas (Jatropha curcas) was when promoted as the brand-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 engines. Read on 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 locations. The plant lives for up to 50 years and may grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) tall. 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 visually attractive, but 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 curcas tree info 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 introduced to a new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a good replacement for present biofuels. Its effectiveness has 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 attempting to develop a "extremely jatropha curcas" with bigger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

jatropha curcas usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are toxic to consume due to the latex sap, but it is used as a medicinal. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant may have come from in Central to South America, however it has actually been presented around the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha uses is its possible as a fuel to replace nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in certain locations has actually been tried, however overall Jatropha curcas growing has actually 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 easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to faster maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm climates, but it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best development will be achieved with extra watering sometimes. It does not have any significant disease or bug issues in its natural areas. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit form on terminal growth, so it is best to wait until after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is required. This plant is helpful as a hedge or living fence, or just as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

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

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

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