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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was as soon as touted as the brand-new wunderkind plant for biofuel. What is a Jatropha curcas tree? The tree or bush grows in any type of soil at a quick rate, is poisonous, and produces fuel suitable for diesel engines. Continue reading for more Jatropha tree info 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 approximately 50 years and might grow nearly 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 visually attractive, however it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which become a tri-compartment fruit with big 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 tree info 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 presented to a brand-new area. Jatropha curcas can produce oil that is a great alternative for present biofuels. Its effectiveness has been challenged, however 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 dispute, as it needs land that could go into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "incredibly Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are hazardous to consume due to the latex sap, however it is utilized as a medical. It is useful in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, but it has actually been presented around the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among jatropha curcas utilizes is its prospective as a clean burning fuel to replace fossil fuels. Plantation cultivation in certain locations has been tried, but overall Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a depressing failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equate to the land usage by cropping Jatropha.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in much faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm environments, but it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the best growth will be accomplished with extra watering sometimes. It doesn't have any significant disease or insect issues in its natural areas. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit kind on terminal growth, so it is best to wait till after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is required. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or just as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

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