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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was as soon as promoted 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 harmful, and produces fuel fit for diesel motor. Keep reading for more jatropha curcas 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 easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. The plant lives for as much as 50 years and may grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) high. 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 especially aesthetically enticing, but it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These big black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, because they are high in burnable oil. An interesting piece of Jatropha tree details is that it is noted as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This shows how adaptable and durable the plant is even when introduced to a new area. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a great alternative to existing biofuels. Its usefulness has actually 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 dispute, as it needs land that could enter into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a "extremely Jatropha" with larger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to consume due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medical. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, however it has actually been introduced around the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha utilizes is its potential as a clean burning fuel to change fossil fuels. Plantation cultivation in specific areas has been attempted, but overall Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a disappointing failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equal the land usage 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 best development will be accomplished with additional watering periodically. It doesn't have any major disease or pest issues in its natural regions. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit form on terminal development, so it is best to wait up until after flowering. No other jatropha curcas plant care is necessary. This plant works 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 an enthusiasm for edible landscaping.