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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was when promoted as the new wunderkind plant for biofuel. What is a Jatropha curcas tree? The tree or bush grows in any kind of soil at a rapid rate, is poisonous, and produces fuel fit for diesel motor. Keep 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 simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. 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 versatile to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially visually enticing, but it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which develop 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 information is that it is noted as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This proves how versatile and sturdy the plant is even when introduced to a new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is an excellent replacement for present biofuels. Its effectiveness has been challenged, however 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 argument, as it needs land that could go into food production. Scientists are trying to establish a "incredibly jatropha curcas" with larger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are toxic to consume due to the latex sap, however it is utilized as a medicinal. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have originated in Central to South America, but it has been introduced all over the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha uses is its prospective as a tidy burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in specific locations has been tried, but general Jatropha curcas cultivation 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 simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to faster maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm environments, but it can make it through a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the best growth will be achieved with supplemental watering sometimes. It does not have any significant disease or insect concerns in its natural areas. It might be pruned, however flowers and fruit type on terminal development, so it is best to wait up until after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is needed. This plant is useful as a hedge or living fence, or simply as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

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