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jatropha curcas (Jatropha curcas) was when 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 fast rate, is toxic, and produces fuel fit for diesel motor. Read on for more Jatropha tree info and see how you rate this plant.

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree?

Jatropha is a perennial shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical locations. The plant lives for up to 50 years and may grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) high. 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 particularly aesthetically attractive, 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. An interesting 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 durable the plant is even when presented to a new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a great replacement for current biofuels. Its effectiveness has been challenged, however it is real the plant can produce seeds with an oil material of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel debate, as it needs land that might enter 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 limited. Most parts of the plant are harmful to consume due to the latex sap, but it is used as a medicinal. It is useful in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant might have come from Central to South America, however it has been presented worldwide and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among jatropha curcas utilizes is its possible as a tidy burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in particular areas has actually been attempted, but general Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a dismal 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 or seed. Cuttings lead to 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 very best development will be attained with supplemental watering periodically. It doesn't have any major disease or pest concerns in its natural regions. It may be pruned, but flowers and fruit form on terminal growth, so it is best to wait till after blooming. No other jatropha curcas plant care is needed. 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 writing for 15 years. A previous expert chef, she has an enthusiasm for edible landscaping.