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

When you acquire through links on our website, 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 type of soil at a quick rate, is toxic, and produces fuel fit for diesel motor. Keep reading for more Jatropha tree info 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 that makes it versatile to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly aesthetically appealing, however 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 factor for all the hullaballoo, due to the fact that they are high in burnable oil. A fascinating piece of information is that it is listed as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This proves how adaptable and hardy the plant is even when presented to a brand-new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a great substitute for current biofuels. Its effectiveness has been challenged, however it holds true the plant can produce seeds with an oil material of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel debate, as it requires land that could enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a “super Jatropha” with bigger seeds and, for that reason, bigger 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 utilized as a medical. It works in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant might have come from in Central to South America, but it has actually been presented worldwide and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha utilizes is its possible as a tidy burning fuel to replace nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in specific areas has actually been tried, but total Jatropha curcas growing has been a dismal failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equal the land use by cropping Jatropha.

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, however it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best development will be achieved with additional watering occasionally. It doesn’t have any significant disease or pest problems in its natural areas. It might be pruned, however flowers and fruit kind on terminal development, so it is best to wait till after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is required. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or simply as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

Gardening tips, videos, info and more provided right to your inbox!

Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and get 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 a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A previous expert chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.