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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was as soon as promoted 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 is a perennial shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical locations. The plant lives for up to 50 years and might grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot that makes it adaptable to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially visually enticing, however it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which become a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These big black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, due to the fact that they are high in burnable oil. An interesting piece of Jatropha tree details is that it is listed as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This shows how versatile and hardy the plant is even when presented to a brand-new region. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a great substitute for existing biofuels. Its effectiveness has actually been challenged, however it is real 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 go into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a "super Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are hazardous to eat due to the latex sap, however it is utilized as a medical. It is beneficial in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant might have come from Central to South America, but it has actually been presented around the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha uses is its prospective as a clean burning fuel to replace nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in particular areas has been attempted, however general Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a dismal failure. This is because 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 result in much faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm climates, however it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the finest growth will be accomplished with additional watering periodically. It does not have any significant disease or pest issues in its natural regions. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit type on terminal growth, so it is best to wait up until after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is required. 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 a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has actually been gardening and writing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she has an enthusiasm for edible landscaping.