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jatropha curcas (Jatropha curcas) was when 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 motor. Continue reading for more Jatropha tree info and see how you rate this plant.

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree?

jatropha curcas 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 may grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) high. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it adaptable to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly aesthetically appealing, however 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 curcas 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 hardy the plant is even when presented to a new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a great replacement for existing biofuels. Its effectiveness has 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 argument, as it requires land that might enter into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a "extremely Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are harmful to eat due to the latex sap, however it is utilized as a medical. It is beneficial in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, however it has been introduced worldwide 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 cultivation in certain locations has been tried, however total Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a miserable failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equal the land usage by cropping Jatropha.

jatropha curcas Plant Care and Growth

The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in much faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm climates, but it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best growth will be attained with supplemental watering sometimes. It doesn't have any major disease or insect problems in its natural areas. It may be pruned, but flowers and fruit form on terminal growth, so it is best to wait up until after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is necessary. This plant is useful as a hedge or living fence, or simply as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

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