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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was once 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 rapid rate, is poisonous, and produces fuel suitable for diesel engines. Continue reading for more Jatropha tree details 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 areas. The plant lives for approximately 50 years and might 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 aesthetically enticing, however it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which become a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These big black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, since they are high in burnable oil. An interesting piece of jatropha curcas tree info 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 introduced to a new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a good 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 dispute, as it needs land that could enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "very Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are toxic to consume due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medicinal. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have originated in Central to South America, but it has actually been presented all over the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha uses is its potential as a tidy burning fuel to replace fossil fuels. Plantation cultivation in particular locations has been tried, however general Jatropha curcas cultivation has actually 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 easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to faster maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm climates, but it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the finest development will be attained with extra watering occasionally. It doesn't have any major illness or bug issues in its natural regions. It might be pruned, however flowers and fruit form on terminal growth, so it is best to wait up until after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is necessary. This plant is beneficial as a hedge or living fence, or simply as an ornamental stand-alone .

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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 former professional chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.