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

Jatropha (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 poisonous, and produces fuel suitable for diesel engines. Continue reading for more jatropha curcas tree details 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 simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. The plant lives for approximately 50 years and might grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) high. It has a deep, thick taproot that makes it versatile to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly visually attractive, but it does get cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These big black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, since they are high in burnable oil. An interesting 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 adaptable and durable the plant is even when introduced to a new area. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a great replacement for present biofuels. Its effectiveness 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 dispute, as it requires land that might go into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "very Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to eat due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medicinal. It is useful in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant might have come from Central to South America, however it has been introduced around 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 change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in certain locations has been attempted, however overall Jatropha curcas cultivation has actually been a disappointing failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equal the land usage by cropping Jatropha.

jatropha curcas 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 chooses warm climates, however it can make it through a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best growth will be accomplished with supplemental watering occasionally. It does not have any major disease or insect problems 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 flowering. No other jatropha curcas plant care is essential. This plant is helpful as a hedge or living fence, or just as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

Gardening suggestions, videos, details and more provided right to your inbox!

Register for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and get a complimentary 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 actually been gardening and writing for 15 years. A previous professional chef, she wants edible landscaping.