When you purchase through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was as soon as touted as the new wunderkind plant for . What is a Jatropha curcas tree? The tree or bush grows in any type of soil at a quick rate, is harmful, and produces fuel fit for diesel engines. 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 easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical places. The plant lives for up to 50 years and may grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) tall. 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 especially visually enticing, but it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which develop into a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These big 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 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 area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is an excellent alternative to current biofuels. Its effectiveness has been challenged, however it is true the plant can produce seeds with an oil material of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel debate, as it requires land that might enter into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a “incredibly Jatropha” with larger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are hazardous to consume due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medicinal. It works in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant might have come from in Central to South America, however it has actually been presented all over the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha utilizes is its potential as a tidy burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in certain locations has been attempted, but total Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a depressing failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equal the land usage by cropping Jatropha.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in quicker maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm climates, but it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best development will be achieved with supplemental watering occasionally. It does not have any significant disease or pest problems in its natural areas. It may be pruned, but flowers and fruit form on terminal development, so it is best to wait till after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is required. This plant works 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 receive 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 been gardening and writing for 15 years. A previous professional chef, she wants edible landscaping.