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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was when 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 harmful, and produces fuel fit for diesel motor. Read on for more Jatropha tree information 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 simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. The plant lives for up to 50 years and may grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) tall. 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 particularly visually appealing, however it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These large black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, due to the fact that they are high in burnable oil. An intriguing 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 proves how versatile and hardy the plant is even when presented to a new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a good replacement for present biofuels. Its usefulness 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 argument, as it requires land that could enter into food production. Scientists are trying to establish a “very Jatropha” with bigger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

jatropha curcas usages are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are hazardous to eat due to the latex sap, but it is used as a medical. It is helpful in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant may have stemmed in Central to South America, however it has been introduced worldwide and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha utilizes is its prospective as a clean burning fuel to replace nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in certain areas has actually been tried, however total Jatropha curcas growing has been a miserable 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 simple to grow from cuttings 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 achieved with supplemental watering occasionally. It doesn’t have any significant disease or pest issues in its natural areas. It may be pruned, but flowers and fruit type on terminal growth, so it is best to wait till after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is required. This plant is helpful as a hedge or living fence, or just as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

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