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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was once promoted 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 rapid rate, is toxic, and produces fuel suitable for diesel engines. Keep reading for more Jatropha tree information 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 locations. The plant lives for as much as 50 years and may grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it versatile to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially aesthetically attractive, but it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which become a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These big black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, because they are high in burnable oil. A fascinating piece of Jatropha 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 presented to a new region. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a great alternative to present biofuels. Its effectiveness has been challenged, however it is real the plant can produce seeds with an oil content of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel argument, as it needs land that might go into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "very Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are harmful to consume due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medical. It works in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, however it has actually been presented all over the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha utilizes is its prospective as a tidy burning fuel to replace fossil fuels. Plantation growing in specific areas has been tried, however total Jatropha curcas growing has been a depressing 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 lead to quicker maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm environments, however it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best development will be attained with extra watering periodically. It doesn't have any significant illness or insect issues in its natural regions. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit form on terminal growth, so it is best to wait till after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is essential. 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 a professional landscaper with a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A previous expert chef, she wants edible landscaping.