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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 rapid rate, is toxic, and produces fuel fit for diesel engines. Continue reading for more Jatropha tree info 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 places. The plant lives for approximately 50 years and might 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 particularly visually enticing, however it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which develop into a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These big black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, due to the fact that 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 brand-new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a great substitute for existing biofuels. Its usefulness 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 argument, as it needs land that might go into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a "extremely Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather limited. 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 dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant might have come from Central to South America, but it has actually been presented around the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha uses is its possible as a tidy burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in particular locations has actually been attempted, however total Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a dismal failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equal the land usage by cropping Jatropha.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in much faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm climates, but it can make it through a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best development will be achieved with extra watering periodically. It does not have any major disease 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 till after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is required. This plant is useful as a hedge or living fence, or simply as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

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