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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 fast rate, is hazardous, and produces fuel suitable for diesel engines. Keep 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 easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical locations. The plant lives for up to 50 years and might grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) high. 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 appealing green cymes of flowerets which turn 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 information is that it is noted as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This shows how adaptable and sturdy the plant is even when introduced to a new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a great replacement for . Its usefulness has been challenged, however 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 argument, as it requires land that might enter into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a "super Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are toxic to consume due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medical. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant may have come from in Central to South America, but it has actually been introduced worldwide and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha utilizes is its prospective as a tidy burning fuel to change fossil fuels. Plantation growing in specific locations has been tried, however overall Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a depressing failure. This is due to the fact that the production mass of oil can not equate to 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 periodically. It does not have any major disease or insect problems in its natural regions. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit type on terminal growth, so it is best to wait until after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is required. This plant is helpful as a hedge or living fence, or just as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

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