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

Alton Shapiro edited this page 2025-01-12 05:17:54 +00:00

When you buy through links on our site, we may earn 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 kind of soil at a rapid rate, is toxic, and produces fuel suitable for diesel motor. Read on 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 as much as 50 years and may grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) high. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it adaptable to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially visually attractive, but it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which develop into a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These large black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, since they are high in burnable oil. An intriguing 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 proves how versatile and durable the plant is even when introduced to a new area. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a great substitute for present biofuels. Its effectiveness has actually 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 attempting to develop a "super Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to consume due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medicinal. It is useful in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant might have stemmed in Central to South America, but it has actually been introduced all over the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha utilizes is its potential as a clean burning fuel to change fossil fuels. Plantation cultivation in particular areas has been tried, but overall Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a disappointing failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equate to the land usage by cropping 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 climates, however it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the best development will be achieved with supplemental watering occasionally. It doesn't have any significant disease or bug concerns in its natural areas. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit form on terminal growth, so it is best to wait until after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is essential. 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 receive a complimentary download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".

Bonnie Grant is an expert landscaper with an Accreditation in Urban Gardening. She has actually been gardening and writing for 15 years. A previous professional chef, she wants edible landscaping.