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

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was once 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 fast rate, is toxic, 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 seasonal shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical places. The plant lives for as much as 50 years and may grow nearly 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 visually appealing, however it does get attractive 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. A fascinating piece of Jatropha tree information is that it is listed 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 brand-new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is an excellent replacement for current biofuels. Its effectiveness has actually been challenged, however 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 debate, as it requires land that might go into food production. Scientists are attempting to establish a "incredibly Jatropha" with larger seeds and, for that reason, 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, but it is utilized as a medicinal. It is useful in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, however it has actually been presented around the world and flourishes wild in like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among jatropha curcas utilizes is its potential as a tidy burning fuel to replace nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in specific locations has actually been attempted, however total Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a dismal failure. This is because 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 chooses warm climates, but 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 periodically. It does not have any major disease or bug issues in its natural regions. It may be pruned, but flowers and fruit kind on terminal development, so it is best to wait till after flowering. No other jatropha curcas plant care is needed. This plant is beneficial 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 free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".

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