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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 kind of soil at a fast rate, is poisonous, and produces fuel suitable for diesel engines. Keep reading for more jatropha curcas tree details 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 approximately 50 years and may 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 attractive, but it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which become a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These large black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, due to the fact that they are high in burnable oil. A fascinating 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 versatile and durable the plant is even when introduced to a new region. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a great replacement for current biofuels. Its effectiveness has 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 needs land that could enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to establish a "super jatropha curcas" with bigger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to consume due to the latex sap, but it is used as a medicinal. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant may have come from in Central to South America, however it has been presented worldwide and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha uses is its possible as a clean burning fuel to change fossil fuels. Plantation cultivation in certain areas has actually been attempted, but overall Jatropha curcas growing has been a disappointing failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equate to the land usage by cropping Jatropha.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to much faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm environments, but it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the best growth will be accomplished with extra watering periodically. It doesn't have any significant or bug problems in its natural areas. It may be pruned, but flowers and fruit kind on terminal growth, so it is best to wait till after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is required. This plant is beneficial as a hedge or living fence, or just as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

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Bonnie Grant is an expert landscaper with a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and composing for 15 years. A former expert chef, she has an enthusiasm for edible landscaping.