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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 hazardous, and produces fuel fit for diesel engines. 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 and simple 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 that makes it versatile to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially visually attractive, but it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which become a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These large black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, because they are high in burnable oil. An interesting 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 proves how versatile and sturdy the plant is even when presented to a new region. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a great alternative to present biofuels. Its usefulness has been challenged, however it is true the plant can produce seeds with an oil content of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel debate, as it needs land that could enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "incredibly Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are hazardous to eat due to the latex sap, but it is used as a medical. It is useful in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, however it has been presented around the globe and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst jatropha curcas utilizes is its possible as a clean burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in certain locations has actually been tried, but total Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a miserable failure. This is because 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 environments, however it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the finest development will be achieved with supplemental watering sometimes. It does not have any major disease or insect problems in its natural regions. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit form on terminal development, so it is best to wait till after blooming. No other jatropha curcas plant care is required. This plant is useful as a hedge or living fence, or just as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

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