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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was when touted as the new wunderkind plant for biofuel. What is a tree? The tree or bush grows in any type of soil at a quick rate, is harmful, 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 seasonal shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. The plant lives for up to 50 years and may grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot that makes it adaptable to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially aesthetically appealing, but it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which become 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. 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 versatile and hardy the plant is even when introduced to a new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a good alternative to present biofuels. Its usefulness has actually been challenged, but it holds 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 might go into food production. Scientists are attempting to establish a "very Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

jatropha curcas usages are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are hazardous to eat due to the latex sap, however it is utilized as a medicinal. It is helpful in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, but it has actually been presented all over the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha utilizes is its possible as a clean burning fuel to replace fossil fuels. Plantation cultivation in certain locations has been attempted, but general Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a depressing 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 easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to faster maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm environments, but it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best development will be accomplished with extra watering sometimes. It does not have any significant disease or bug issues in its natural areas. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit type on terminal growth, so it is best to wait up until after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is needed. This plant works 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 an Accreditation in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A former expert chef, she has an enthusiasm for edible landscaping.