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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was once 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 harmful, and produces fuel fit for diesel motor. Read on 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 locations. The plant lives for up to 50 years and might grow nearly 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 deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially visually enticing, but it does get attractive green cymes of which develop into a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These large black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, since 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 hardy the plant is even when presented to a new area. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a good alternative to current biofuels. Its effectiveness has actually been challenged, but 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 debate, as it needs land that could enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "incredibly jatropha curcas" with bigger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

jatropha curcas uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to consume due to the latex sap, however it is utilized as a medical. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant might have stemmed in Central to South America, but it has actually been introduced worldwide and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha utilizes is its possible as a clean burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in certain locations has been tried, but overall Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a dismal failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equal the land usage by cropping jatropha curcas.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in faster maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm environments, however it can make it through a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the finest development will be accomplished with extra watering occasionally. It doesn't have any significant illness or pest issues in its natural areas. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit kind on terminal growth, so it is best to wait up until after blooming. No other jatropha curcas plant care is needed. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or simply as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

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Bonnie Grant is a professional landscaper with an Accreditation in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and composing for 15 years. A previous expert chef, she has an enthusiasm for edible landscaping.