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

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was when 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 rapid rate, is hazardous, and produces fuel suitable 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 is a seasonal 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 might grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) high. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it adaptable to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially aesthetically attractive, however it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These big black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, because they are high in burnable oil. An interesting piece of Jatropha tree details is that it is listed as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This proves how versatile and durable the plant is even when presented to a new area. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a good alternative to current biofuels. Its effectiveness has been challenged, but 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 requires land that might go into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "super Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are harmful to consume due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medicinal. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have originated in Central to South America, however it has actually been introduced all over the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha uses is its potential as a clean burning fuel to replace nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in certain areas has been tried, however total Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a dismal failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equal the land usage by cropping jatropha curcas.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in faster maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm climates, but it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the best development will be achieved with extra watering periodically. It does not have any major illness or insect concerns in its natural regions. It might be pruned, however flowers and fruit form on terminal growth, so it is best to wait until after blooming. No other jatropha curcas plant care is needed. This plant is beneficial as a hedge or living fence, or just as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

Gardening tips, videos, details and more delivered right to your inbox!

Sign up 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 a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and composing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she wants edible landscaping.