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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 kind of soil at a fast rate, is harmful, and produces fuel suitable for diesel motor. Keep 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 simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical places. The plant lives for as much as 50 years and may grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) tall. 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 particularly visually appealing, but it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which become a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These big black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, because 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 proves how adaptable and durable the plant is even when introduced to a new area. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is an excellent alternative for present 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 trying to establish a "super Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are hazardous to eat due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medical. It is beneficial in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant might have originated in Central to South America, however it has been introduced worldwide and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha utilizes is its possible as a tidy burning fuel to replace fossil fuels. Plantation cultivation in specific areas has been tried, however total Jatropha curcas cultivation has actually been a disappointing failure. This is since 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 result in much faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm climates, however it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best growth will be attained with supplemental watering sometimes. It does not have any significant illness or pest issues in its natural areas. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit form on terminal growth, so it is best to wait up until after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is essential. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or just as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

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