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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was as soon as touted as the new wunderkind plant for biofuel. What is a Jatropha curcas tree? The tree or bush grows in any type of soil at a rapid rate, is poisonous, and produces fuel fit for diesel engines. Read on 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 easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical places. The plant lives for up to 50 years and might grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) high. It has a deep, thick taproot that makes it versatile to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly visually attractive, however it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which become a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These big black seeds are the reason 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 hardy the plant is even when presented to a new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a great substitute for existing biofuels. Its effectiveness has actually 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 might enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "very Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

jatropha curcas uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are harmful to eat due to the latex sap, however it is utilized as a medical. It is useful in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have originated in Central to South America, however it has actually been introduced around the globe and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha utilizes is its possible as a tidy burning fuel to replace fossil fuels. Plantation cultivation in particular locations has been attempted, however total Jatropha curcas growing has been a depressing failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equal the land use by cropping Jatropha.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in quicker maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm climates, however it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best growth will be accomplished with additional watering periodically. It doesn't have any significant disease or pest problems in its natural areas. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit type on terminal growth, so it is best to wait till after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is required. 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 a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has actually been gardening and composing for 15 years. A former expert chef, she has an enthusiasm for edible landscaping.