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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was once promoted 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 fit for diesel engines. Keep reading for more Jatropha tree info and see how you rate this plant.

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree?

jatropha curcas is a seasonal shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical places. The plant lives for up to 50 years and might grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) high. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it adaptable to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly aesthetically appealing, however it does get appealing 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, because they are high in burnable oil. An interesting piece of Jatropha tree info is that it is noted 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 new region. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is an excellent replacement for existing biofuels. Its usefulness has been challenged, but 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 debate, as it requires land that could enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "very Jatropha" with larger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to consume 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 may have come from Central to South America, however it has actually been presented around the globe and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst jatropha curcas utilizes is its prospective as a clean burning fuel to replace nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in specific areas has actually been attempted, but total Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a dismal failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equal the land usage by cropping jatropha curcas.

jatropha curcas Plant Care and Growth

The plant is easy to grow from or seed. Cuttings lead to quicker maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm climates, however it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best development will be attained with extra watering periodically. It doesn't have any major disease or insect issues in its natural regions. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit form on terminal development, so it is best to wait till after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is needed. This plant is useful as a hedge or living fence, or simply as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

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