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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 kind of soil at a fast rate, is harmful, and produces fuel fit for diesel motor. Keep reading for more Jatropha tree information and see how you rate this plant.

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree?

Jatropha is a perennial shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical locations. The plant lives for up to 50 years and might grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) tall. 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 appealing, but it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which develop into 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 tree information is that it is listed as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This shows how versatile and sturdy the plant is even when presented to a new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a great alternative for existing 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 argument, as it needs land that could go into food production. Scientists are trying to establish a "super Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, for that reason, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to consume due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medical. It works in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, but it has actually been introduced all over the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha utilizes is its potential as a clean burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in specific areas has been tried, however general Jatropha curcas cultivation has actually been a depressing failure. This is due to the fact that 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 much faster maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm environments, however it can make it through a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best growth will be accomplished with additional watering occasionally. It does not have any significant disease or insect issues in its natural regions. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit form on terminal development, so it is best to wait up until after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is necessary. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or simply as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

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