mission-newenergy-limited

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

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was once promoted 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 quick rate, is toxic, and produces fuel fit for diesel motor. Keep reading for more Jatropha tree info 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 simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical places. The plant lives for as much as 50 years and might grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick 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 develop into 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 info is that it is noted as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This shows how versatile and durable the plant is even when presented to a new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is an excellent alternative to current biofuels. Its usefulness has actually been challenged, however it holds true the plant can produce seeds with an oil material of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel argument, as it needs land that might enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to establish a "very Jatropha" with larger seeds and, for that reason, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are toxic to eat due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medical. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have stemmed in Central to South America, however it has been introduced worldwide and flourishes wild in places 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 specific areas has been attempted, however overall Jatropha curcas growing has been a disappointing failure. This is due to the fact that the production mass of oil can not equal the land use by cropping Jatropha.

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 environments, however 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 significant illness or pest problems in its natural areas. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit form on terminal development, so it is best to wait until after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is essential. This plant is helpful as a hedge or living fence, or simply as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

Gardening ideas, 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 a professional landscaper with a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has actually been gardening and writing for 15 years. A previous professional chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.