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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was as soon as 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 poisonous, and produces fuel fit 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 seasonal shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical locations. The plant lives for approximately 50 years and may grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) high. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it adaptable to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly visually attractive, but it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which turn into a with big 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 details 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 area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is an excellent alternative to present biofuels. Its effectiveness has been challenged, but it holds true the plant can produce seeds with an oil material of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel dispute, as it needs land that might go into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a "super Jatropha" with larger seeds and, for that reason, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to consume due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medical. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant might have originated in Central to South America, however it has actually been presented worldwide and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha uses is its possible as a clean burning fuel to replace fossil fuels. Plantation cultivation in certain areas has been attempted, but total Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a dismal failure. This is due to the fact that the production mass of oil can not equate to the land use by cropping Jatropha.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in faster maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm environments, however it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the finest growth will be accomplished with additional watering sometimes. It doesn't have any major illness or insect concerns in its natural regions. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit type 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 just as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

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