1 What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree: Jatropha Uses in The Landscape

Kelley Baskin edited this page 6 months ago

When you acquire through links on our site, we may 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 kind of soil at a fast rate, is hazardous, and produces fuel suitable 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 places. The plant lives for as much as 50 years and might 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 aesthetically appealing, but it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which become a tri-compartment fruit with large 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 information 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 introduced to a new region. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is an excellent alternative to present biofuels. Its usefulness has actually been challenged, but it is real the plant can produce seeds with an oil material of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel dispute, as it needs land that could go into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a "very jatropha curcas" with larger seeds and, for that reason, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are toxic to consume due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medical. It is helpful in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant might have come from in Central to South America, but it has been introduced all over the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha uses is its potential as a clean burning fuel to replace nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in specific areas has been attempted, but total Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a disappointing failure. This is due to the fact that 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 result in quicker 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 very best development will be accomplished with additional watering occasionally. It does not have any major illness or bug concerns in its natural regions. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit type on terminal growth, so it is best to wait until after flowering. No other plant care is necessary. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or just as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

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

Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and get 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 actually been gardening and writing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she wants edible landscaping.