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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was when touted as the brand-new wunderkind 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. Read on for more Jatropha tree info and see how you rate this plant.

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree?

jatropha curcas 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 adaptable to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly aesthetically attractive, however 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, since they are high in burnable oil. An intriguing piece of jatropha curcas tree details is that it is noted as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This proves how adaptable and hardy the plant is even when presented to a new area. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a good replacement for current 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 dispute, as it needs land that might enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "extremely Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are toxic to eat due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medical. It is beneficial in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant may have originated in Central to South America, but it has been introduced all over the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha uses is its prospective as a clean burning fuel to change fossil fuels. Plantation cultivation in specific locations has been attempted, but overall Jatropha curcas growing has been a miserable failure. This is due to the fact that the production mass of oil can not equate to the land usage by cropping jatropha curcas.

jatropha curcas 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 prefers warm environments, however it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best development will be achieved with additional watering occasionally. It doesn't have any major illness or pest issues in its natural regions. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit kind on terminal development, so it is best to wait till after flowering. No other jatropha curcas plant care is required. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or just 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.