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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 type of soil at a fast rate, is hazardous, and produces fuel fit for diesel motor. Continue reading for more jatropha curcas tree details 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 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 poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly aesthetically appealing, however it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which develop into a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These big black seeds are the factor 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 adaptable and durable the plant is even when introduced to a new region. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a great replacement for present biofuels. Its effectiveness has been challenged, but it is real the plant can produce seeds with an oil content of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel debate, as it requires land that might go into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "super Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha 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 is beneficial in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant might have stemmed in 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 prospective as a tidy burning fuel to replace nonrenewable . Plantation cultivation in specific areas has been tried, but total Jatropha curcas growing has been a depressing failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equal the land use by cropping Jatropha.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in much faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm climates, however it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best growth will be attained with additional watering occasionally. It doesn't have any major illness or insect concerns in its natural regions. It may be pruned, but flowers and fruit type on terminal development, so it is best to wait till after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is required. This plant is helpful as a hedge or living fence, or simply as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

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Bonnie Grant is an expert landscaper with an Accreditation in Urban Gardening. She has actually been gardening and composing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she wants edible landscaping.