What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree: Jatropha Uses in The Landscape
When you purchase through links on our site, we might earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works.
(Jatropha curcas) was when touted as the brand-new wunderkind plant for biofuel. What is a Jatropha curcas tree? The tree or bush grows in any kind of soil at a rapid rate, is hazardous, and produces fuel fit for diesel motor. Continue reading for more Jatropha 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 up to 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 particularly visually enticing, but it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These big black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, since they are high in burnable oil. A fascinating piece of Jatropha tree info is that it is listed 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 an excellent alternative for existing biofuels. Its effectiveness has been challenged, however 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 argument, as it needs land that could enter into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a "super Jatropha" with larger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.
Jatropha Curcas Cultivation
Jatropha usages are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are hazardous to eat due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medicinal. It is useful in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant might have come from Central to South America, but it has been introduced around 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 fossil fuels. Plantation growing in particular locations has been attempted, however total Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a disappointing failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equate to the land use by cropping Jatropha.
Jatropha Plant Care and Growth
The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to faster 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 growth will be attained with supplemental watering occasionally. It doesn't have any major illness or insect concerns in its natural regions. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit kind on terminal development, so it is best to wait till after flowering. 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 tips, videos, details and more delivered right to your inbox!
Register for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and get 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 composing for 15 years. A former expert chef, she has an enthusiasm for edible landscaping.