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

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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was once touted as the new wunderkind plant for biofuel. What is a Jatropha curcas tree? The tree or bush grows in any kind of soil at a rapid 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 seasonal shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. The plant lives for up to 50 years and may grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot that makes it adaptable to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly visually attractive, however it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which develop into a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These big black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, since they are high in burnable oil. An interesting 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 shows how versatile and durable the plant is even when introduced to a new area. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is an excellent replacement for existing 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 argument, as it needs land that could go into food production. Scientists are attempting to establish a "incredibly Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are hazardous to consume due to the latex sap, but it is used as a medical. It is helpful in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, but it has actually been introduced all over the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha utilizes is its prospective as a clean burning fuel to replace nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in particular locations has actually been attempted, but total Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a disappointing failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equal the land use by cropping jatropha curcas.

jatropha curcas Plant Care and Growth

The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in faster maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm climates, however it can make it through a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best growth will be attained with extra watering periodically. It doesn't have any major illness or pest concerns in its natural areas. It might be pruned, however flowers and fruit kind on terminal development, so it is best to wait until after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is necessary. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or just as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

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