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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was when 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 suitable for diesel motor. Continue reading for more Jatropha tree details 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 places. The plant lives for approximately 50 years and may grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it versatile to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly visually enticing, however it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which develop into a tri-compartment fruit with big 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 tree details is that it is noted as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This proves how versatile and durable the plant is even when introduced to a new region. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a great replacement for present biofuels. Its effectiveness has been challenged, however it is true the plant can with an oil content of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel dispute, as it needs land that could go into food production. Scientists are attempting to establish a "very Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are toxic to eat due to the latex sap, but it is used as a medical. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant might have come from Central to South America, but it has been introduced around the globe and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha utilizes is its possible as a clean burning fuel to change fossil fuels. Plantation cultivation in particular locations has actually been attempted, however total Jatropha curcas cultivation has actually been a dismal 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 easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in faster 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 achieved with supplemental watering sometimes. It doesn't have any major illness or pest concerns in its natural areas. It may be pruned, but flowers and fruit type on terminal growth, so it is best to wait up until after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is required. This plant is helpful 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 an Accreditation in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and composing for 15 years. A former expert chef, she has an enthusiasm for edible landscaping.