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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was when promoted as the plant for biofuel. What is a Jatropha curcas tree? The tree or bush grows in any type of soil at a fast rate, is toxic, and produces fuel suitable for diesel motor. Continue 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 as much as 50 years and may grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) high. It has a deep, thick taproot that makes it versatile to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially visually enticing, however it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which develop into a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These large black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, because they are high in burnable oil. An interesting 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 shows how adaptable and hardy the plant is even when introduced to a new region. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is an excellent replacement for existing biofuels. Its usefulness has been challenged, but it is 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 attempting to establish a "incredibly jatropha curcas" with larger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are hazardous to eat 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 might have come from Central to South America, but it has been presented around the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha utilizes is its possible as a clean burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in particular locations has actually been attempted, but overall Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a dismal failure. This is due to the fact that the production mass of oil can not equal the land usage by cropping jatropha curcas.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to quicker maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm environments, however it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best growth will be accomplished with extra watering sometimes. It does not have any significant illness or pest concerns in its natural regions. It might be pruned, however flowers and fruit type on terminal development, so it is best to wait until after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is needed. 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 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 a passion for edible landscaping.