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jatropha curcas (Jatropha curcas) was once promoted as the brand-new wunderkind plant for biofuel. What is a tree? The tree or bush grows in any kind of soil at a rapid rate, is toxic, and produces fuel suitable for diesel motor. Read on for more Jatropha tree info and see how you rate this plant.

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree?

jatropha curcas is a perennial shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and simple 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.) 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 visually enticing, however it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which develop into a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These big black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, since they are high in burnable oil. An intriguing piece of Jatropha tree information is that it is listed 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 introduced to a brand-new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is an excellent alternative to existing biofuels. Its usefulness has 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 requires land that could go into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "incredibly Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, therefore, bigger 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 used as a medical. It is useful in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently 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 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 tried, but overall Jatropha curcas growing has been a depressing failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equate to the land use by cropping jatropha curcas.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm climates, but it can make it through a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the best development will be achieved with additional watering periodically. It does not have any significant illness or pest 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 blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is needed. This plant is useful as a hedge or living fence, or simply as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

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