1 What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree: Jatropha Uses in The Landscape

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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was once promoted 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 fit for diesel engines. Keep reading for more Jatropha tree info 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 easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. The plant lives for as much as 50 years and might grow almost 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, however it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These big black seeds are the reason 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 shows how adaptable and sturdy the plant is even when presented to a new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is an excellent alternative to current biofuels. Its usefulness has actually been challenged, but it is real the plant can with an oil content of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel debate, as it requires land that might go into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a "super Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to consume due to the latex sap, however it is utilized as a medicinal. It works in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant might have come from Central to South America, however it has been introduced worldwide and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha utilizes is its prospective as a clean burning fuel to change fossil fuels. Plantation cultivation in particular locations has actually been attempted, however total Jatropha curcas growing has 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 result in much faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm environments, however it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the finest development will be achieved with supplemental watering occasionally. It doesn't have any major disease or insect issues in its natural areas. 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 necessary. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or just as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

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