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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was as soon as touted as the brand-new wunderkind plant for biofuel. What is a Jatropha curcas tree? The tree or bush grows in any kind of soil at a fast rate, is harmful, and produces fuel suitable for diesel engines. Continue 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 areas. The plant lives for up to 50 years and might grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot that makes it versatile to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly visually appealing, however it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which become 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 intriguing piece of Jatropha tree info is that it is noted as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This proves how adaptable and durable the plant is even when presented to a new region. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is an excellent alternative for current biofuels. Its usefulness has been challenged, but it is true the plant can produce seeds with an oil content of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel dispute, as it requires land that might enter into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a "very Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are hazardous to consume due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medicinal. It is useful in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant might have come from in Central to South America, but it has been introduced worldwide and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha uses is its potential as a tidy burning fuel to replace nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in certain areas has been attempted, however overall Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a miserable failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equate to the land usage by cropping Jatropha.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to quicker maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm climates, however it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the finest development will be achieved with extra watering periodically. It does not have any significant disease or insect problems in its natural regions. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit kind on terminal development, so it is best to wait up until after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is needed. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or just 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 previous expert chef, she wants edible landscaping.