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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 quick rate, is hazardous, and produces fuel fit 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 seasonal shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. The plant lives for up to 50 years and may 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 . Overall, the plant is not particularly visually appealing, but it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These large black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, due to the fact that they are high in burnable oil. A fascinating piece of Jatropha tree information is that it is noted as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This shows how adaptable and sturdy the plant is even when presented to a new area. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a great replacement for existing biofuels. Its effectiveness has been challenged, but 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 debate, as it requires land that could enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to establish a "super Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, for that reason, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to eat due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medicinal. It is beneficial in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, however it has actually been introduced all over the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha utilizes is its prospective as a tidy burning fuel to change fossil fuels. Plantation growing in certain areas has been tried, but overall Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a miserable failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equate to the land use by cropping jatropha curcas.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to much faster maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm climates, but it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best growth will be accomplished with extra watering occasionally. It does not have any major disease or pest problems in its natural areas. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit type on terminal growth, so it is best to wait until after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is necessary. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or just as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

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