mission-newenergy-limited

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

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was as soon as promoted 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 quick rate, is toxic, and produces fuel fit for diesel engines. Continue reading for more jatropha curcas tree information and see how you rate this plant.

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree?

jatropha curcas is a seasonal shrub or tree. It is and easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. The plant lives for as much as 50 years and might grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it versatile to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly aesthetically appealing, but it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which develop into 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. An interesting 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 proves how adaptable 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, 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 debate, as it requires land that could go into food production. Scientists are attempting to establish a "super jatropha curcas" with larger seeds and, for that reason, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are harmful to eat due to the latex sap, but it is used as a medicinal. It works in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant might have come from Central to South America, however it has actually been presented around the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among jatropha curcas utilizes is its possible as a tidy burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in certain areas has been attempted, however general Jatropha curcas growing has actually 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 easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to 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 finest growth will be accomplished with additional watering periodically. It doesn't have any major illness or bug issues in its natural regions. It might be pruned, however flowers and fruit type on terminal growth, so it is best to wait up until after blooming. No other jatropha curcas plant care is necessary. 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!

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

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