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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was as soon as 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 fast rate, is hazardous, and produces fuel suitable for diesel engines. Continue reading for more jatropha curcas tree information and see how you rate this plant.

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree?

jatropha curcas is a perennial shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. The plant lives for up to 50 years and may grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot that makes it adaptable to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly visually appealing, but it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which become a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These large black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, due to the fact that they are high in burnable oil. An intriguing piece of Jatropha tree info is that it is listed 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 brand-new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a good replacement for present biofuels. Its usefulness has been challenged, but 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 needs land that could go into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "super Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are harmful to consume due to the latex sap, but it is used as a medicinal. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, but it has actually been introduced worldwide 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 growing in specific areas has actually been attempted, 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 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 best development will be attained with supplemental watering occasionally. It doesn't have any major disease or insect issues in its natural areas. It might be pruned, however flowers and fruit kind on terminal growth, so it is best to wait till after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is necessary. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or just as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

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