When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works.

jatropha curcas (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 fast rate, is poisonous, and produces fuel suitable for diesel engines. Keep reading for more jatropha curcas tree information and see how you rate this plant.

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree?

jatropha curcas is a perennial 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 might grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it adaptable to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially aesthetically attractive, however it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These large black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, since they are high in burnable oil. A fascinating piece of jatropha curcas tree information 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 introduced to a new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a great alternative to present biofuels. Its usefulness has actually 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 requires land that might enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "incredibly jatropha curcas" with bigger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are harmful to consume due to the latex sap, but it is used as a medicinal. It is helpful in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, but it has actually been introduced around the world and flourishes wild in like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst jatropha curcas uses is its possible as a clean burning fuel to replace fossil fuels. Plantation growing in particular areas has actually been tried, however total Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a depressing failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equate to the land usage by cropping jatropha curcas.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in quicker maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm climates, but it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the best growth will be accomplished with additional watering occasionally. It does not have any major illness or insect concerns in its natural areas. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit type on terminal development, so it is best to wait up until after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is essential. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or just as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

Gardening pointers, videos, information and more delivered right to your inbox!

Register for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".

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