When you buy through links on our site, we might make 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 quick rate, is poisonous, and produces fuel suitable for diesel engines. 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 easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. The plant lives for approximately 50 years and might grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it adaptable to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly visually appealing, however it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which turn 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 noted as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This shows how versatile and durable the plant is even when presented to a new region. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a great replacement for present biofuels. Its effectiveness has actually been challenged, however it is true the plant can produce seeds with an oil material of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel debate, as it requires land that could enter into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a "super Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are hazardous to eat due to the latex sap, but it is utilized 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 actually been presented all over the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among jatropha curcas utilizes is its possible as a tidy burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in particular locations has actually been attempted, however overall Jatropha curcas growing has been a dismal failure. This is due to the fact that the production mass of oil can not equal the land use by cropping Jatropha.

jatropha curcas Plant Care and Growth

The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in quicker maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm climates, however it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the finest development will be achieved with extra watering periodically. It does not have any major disease or insect concerns in its natural regions. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit kind on terminal growth, so it is best to wait until after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is needed. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or just as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

Gardening ideas, videos, details and more provided right to your inbox!

Register for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive 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 wants edible landscaping.