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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was when promoted 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 fast rate, is hazardous, and produces fuel suitable for diesel motor. 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 simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. The plant lives for approximately 50 years and may grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) high. 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 attractive, however it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These large 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 proves how versatile and sturdy the plant is even when introduced to a new area. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a great alternative to current 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 "super Jatropha" with larger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are hazardous to consume due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medicinal. It is beneficial in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant might have stemmed in Central to South America, but it has been introduced around the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha utilizes is its possible as a tidy burning fuel to change fossil fuels. Plantation growing in certain areas has actually been attempted, but general Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a dismal failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equate to the land usage by cropping jatropha curcas.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in faster maturity and production. It chooses warm climates, but it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best development will be attained with additional watering occasionally. It does not have any significant illness or bug problems in its natural regions. It may be pruned, but flowers and fruit type on terminal growth, so it is best to wait till after blooming. No other jatropha curcas plant care is essential. This plant is useful 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 composing for 15 years. A previous expert chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.