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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was when touted 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 fast rate, is poisonous, and produces fuel suitable for diesel engines. Continue reading for more Jatropha tree details 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 easy 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.) 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 attractive, but it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These large black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, because they are high in burnable oil. A fascinating 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 shows how versatile and durable the plant is even when presented to a new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a great alternative for present 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 needs land that could go into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a "super Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are harmful to eat due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medical. It is beneficial in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, however it has been introduced all over the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha uses is its potential as a clean burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in certain locations has actually been attempted, however total Jatropha curcas cultivation has actually 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 easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm environments, but it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best development will be attained with extra watering sometimes. It does not have any major disease or bug problems in its natural areas. It may be pruned, but flowers and fruit form on terminal growth, so it is best to wait until after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is needed. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or simply as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

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Bonnie Grant is a professional landscaper with a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has actually been gardening and composing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.