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jatropha curcas (Jatropha curcas) was when 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 quick rate, is poisonous, and produces fuel fit for diesel motor. Continue reading for more jatropha curcas tree info and see how you rate this plant.

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree?

Jatropha is a perennial 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.) 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 particularly visually enticing, but it does get appealing 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, because they are high in burnable oil. An interesting piece of jatropha curcas tree information is that it is noted as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This proves how adaptable and sturdy the plant is even when introduced to a brand-new area. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is an excellent alternative for current 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 attempting to develop a "incredibly Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, therefore, bigger 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 medicinal. It is helpful in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant might have come from Central to South America, however it has been presented around the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha utilizes is its potential as a clean burning fuel to change fossil fuels. Plantation growing in specific locations has been tried, but overall Jatropha curcas cultivation has actually been a depressing failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equal the land usage by cropping Jatropha.

Plant Care and Growth

The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to much faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm climates, however it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the best growth will be achieved with additional watering sometimes. It does not have any significant disease or insect concerns in its natural areas. It may be pruned, but flowers and fruit type on terminal growth, so it is best to wait until after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is required. 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 been gardening and composing for 15 years. A previous professional chef, she wants edible landscaping.