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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 kind of soil at a quick rate, is harmful, and produces fuel suitable for diesel motor. Read on for more Jatropha tree details and see how you rate this plant.

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree?

jatropha curcas is a perennial shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. The plant lives for approximately 50 years and might grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) tall. 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 aesthetically attractive, but 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, because they are high in burnable oil. An interesting piece of jatropha curcas tree info is that it is listed as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This shows how versatile and sturdy the plant is even when introduced to a new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a great substitute for present biofuels. Its usefulness has been challenged, however 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 debate, as it requires land that could enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "very Jatropha" with larger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are hazardous to consume due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medical. It is useful in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant might have originated in Central to South America, however it has been all over the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among jatropha curcas uses is its potential as a clean burning fuel to replace fossil fuels. Plantation cultivation in certain locations has been tried, however overall Jatropha curcas cultivation has actually been a disappointing failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equate to the land use by cropping Jatropha.

jatropha curcas 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, however it can make it through a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the best growth will be attained with extra watering periodically. It does not have any major disease or pest issues in its natural areas. It may be pruned, but flowers and fruit form on terminal growth, so it is best to wait till after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is needed. This plant is beneficial as a hedge or living fence, or just as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

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