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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was once 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 quick rate, is poisonous, and produces fuel suitable for diesel motor. Continue 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 simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical locations. The plant lives for as much as 50 years and may grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) high. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it versatile to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially aesthetically appealing, but it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which become a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These large black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, since they are high in burnable oil. An intriguing 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 adaptable and durable the plant is even when introduced to a new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a great replacement for existing biofuels. Its effectiveness has actually been challenged, however 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 argument, as it requires land that could go into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "extremely Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are hazardous to eat due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medical. It works in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant may have stemmed in Central to South America, but it has actually been presented around the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha utilizes is its possible as a tidy burning fuel to replace fossil fuels. in particular locations has been tried, but overall Jatropha curcas cultivation 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 lead to faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm environments, however it can make it through a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best development will be attained with extra watering periodically. It doesn't have any significant disease or insect problems in its natural areas. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit form on terminal growth, so it is best to wait up until after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is needed. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or just as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

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