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

jatropha curcas (Jatropha curcas) was when promoted as the new wunderkind plant for biofuel. What is a tree? The tree or bush grows in any type of soil at a quick rate, is poisonous, and produces fuel fit for diesel engines. Continue reading for more Jatropha tree information and see how you rate this plant.

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree?

jatropha curcas is a perennial shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. The plant lives for as much as 50 years and may grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot that makes it adaptable to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly aesthetically enticing, but 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, because 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 proves how versatile 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 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 argument, as it needs land that might go into food production. Scientists are attempting to establish a "extremely Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, for that reason, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

jatropha curcas uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are toxic to consume due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medicinal. It works in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, however it has been introduced around the globe and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha uses is its possible as a tidy burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in specific areas has been attempted, but total Jatropha curcas growing has been a miserable failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equal the land usage by cropping Jatropha.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to much faster 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 growth will be achieved with supplemental watering sometimes. It doesn't have any significant disease or bug issues in its natural regions. It might be pruned, however flowers and fruit form on terminal growth, so it is best to wait till after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is essential. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or just as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

Gardening pointers, videos, details and more delivered right to your inbox!

Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a totally 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 actually been gardening and composing for 15 years. A previous professional chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.