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

Jatropha (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 quick rate, is toxic, and produces fuel fit 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 perennial shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. The plant lives for approximately 50 years and might grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) high. 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 especially visually enticing, but it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which develop into a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These large black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, because they are high in burnable oil. An intriguing piece of Jatropha tree info is that it is noted 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 introduced to a brand-new region. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a great replacement for existing biofuels. Its usefulness has been challenged, but 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 "extremely 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 hazardous to consume due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medical. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant might have come from in Central to South America, but it has been introduced around the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha uses is its possible as a clean burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in certain locations has actually been tried, however total Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a miserable failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equate to the land usage by cropping Jatropha.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm climates, however it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best development will be achieved with additional watering sometimes. It does not have any significant illness or pest problems in its natural regions. 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 needed. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or simply as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

Gardening pointers, videos, information 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 a professional landscaper with a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A former expert chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.