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

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 type of soil at a fast rate, is hazardous, and produces fuel suitable for diesel motor. Read on for more Jatropha 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 places. The plant lives for approximately 50 years and may 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 attractive, 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 factor for all the hullaballoo, since they are high in burnable oil. An intriguing piece of jatropha curcas 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 hardy the plant is even when presented to a new area. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is an excellent alternative to existing biofuels. Its effectiveness has been challenged, however it is real the plant can produce seeds with an oil content of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel dispute, as it needs land that might enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to establish a "super jatropha curcas" with larger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are toxic to eat due to the latex sap, but it is used as a medicinal. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, however it has been presented worldwide and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha utilizes is its prospective as a clean burning fuel to replace fossil fuels. Plantation growing in specific locations has been tried, however total Jatropha curcas cultivation has actually been a dismal failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equal the land usage 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 prefers warm environments, however it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the finest growth will be achieved with additional watering sometimes. It doesn't have any major illness or insect concerns in its natural areas. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit type on terminal development, so it is best to wait till after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is essential. This plant is helpful as a hedge or living fence, or just as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

Gardening suggestions, videos, information and more delivered 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 a professional landscaper with an Accreditation in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A former expert chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.