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jatropha curcas (Jatropha curcas) was once touted 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 fast rate, is toxic, and produces fuel suitable for diesel engines. Continue 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 simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. The plant lives for up to 50 years and might grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) high. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it adaptable to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly aesthetically attractive, but 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 details is that it is noted as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This proves how versatile and hardy the plant is even when introduced to a brand-new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a good replacement for existing biofuels. Its usefulness has been challenged, but it holds true the plant can produce seeds with an oil material of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel argument, as it requires land that could go into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "incredibly Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

jatropha curcas uses are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are harmful to consume due to the latex sap, however it is utilized as a medicinal. It is useful in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, however it has been presented around the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among jatropha curcas uses is its prospective as a clean burning fuel to change fossil fuels. Plantation growing in certain locations has been tried, however overall Jatropha curcas growing has been a depressing failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equal the land use by cropping Jatropha.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to faster maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm environments, but it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the best development will be accomplished with additional watering sometimes. It does not have any significant disease or bug concerns in its natural areas. It may be pruned, but flowers and fruit kind on terminal growth, so it is best to wait up until after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is essential. 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 former professional chef, she wants edible landscaping.