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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was when touted as the brand-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. Read on for more Jatropha tree info 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 easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical places. The plant lives for as much as 50 years and may grow almost 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 appealing, however it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These big black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, since they are high in burnable oil. A fascinating piece of Jatropha tree details is that it is noted 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 presented to a new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is an excellent alternative for existing biofuels. Its effectiveness 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 argument, as it requires land that might go into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "super Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are hazardous to consume due to the latex sap, but it is used as a medical. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant may have originated in Central to South America, but it has been introduced around the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha uses is its potential as a clean burning fuel to replace fossil fuels. Plantation growing in particular locations has actually been attempted, but overall Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a depressing failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equate to the land usage by cropping Jatropha.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm climates, however it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best development will be achieved with extra watering periodically. It doesn't have any major illness or insect issues in its natural areas. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit type on growth, so it is best to wait until after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is needed. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or simply as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

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