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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was once touted as the brand-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 harmful, and produces fuel suitable for diesel engines. Continue reading for more Jatropha tree information 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 simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. The plant lives for as much as 50 years and might grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) high. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it versatile to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly aesthetically enticing, 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 reason for all the hullaballoo, since 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 shows how adaptable and sturdy the plant is even when introduced to a new area. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is an excellent replacement for current biofuels. Its effectiveness has 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 requires land that could go into food production. Scientists are trying to establish a "extremely Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are harmful to eat due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medicinal. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant might have originated in Central to South America, but it has been introduced around the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha uses is its potential as a clean burning fuel to change fossil fuels. Plantation cultivation in certain areas has actually been tried, but general Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a disappointing failure. This is because the mass of oil can not equal the land usage 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 prefers 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 extra watering periodically. It does not have any significant illness or bug problems in its natural regions. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit type on terminal development, so it is best to wait until after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is required. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or simply 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 composing for 15 years. A previous expert chef, she wants edible landscaping.