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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was once 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 harmful, and produces fuel suitable for diesel motor. Keep 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 easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical locations. The plant lives for as much as 50 years and might 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 especially aesthetically attractive, however it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which become a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These large black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, because 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 versatile and durable the plant is even when introduced to a new region. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a good alternative for existing biofuels. Its usefulness has actually 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 debate, as it needs land that could enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to establish a "super jatropha curcas" with bigger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to consume due to the latex sap, but it is used as a medicinal. It works in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant might have come from Central to South America, but it has been introduced around the globe and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha uses is its prospective as a clean burning fuel to change fossil fuels. Plantation growing in specific locations has actually been attempted, but total Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a depressing failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equate to 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, however it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the finest development will be accomplished with extra watering sometimes. It does not have any major disease or pest concerns in its natural regions. It might be pruned, however flowers and fruit form on terminal growth, so it is best to wait up until after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is necessary. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or simply as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

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