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jatropha curcas (Jatropha curcas) was as soon as promoted 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 hazardous, and produces fuel suitable for diesel motor. Read on 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 areas. The plant lives for approximately 50 years and might grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it versatile to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly aesthetically 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, because they are high in burnable oil. An intriguing piece of Jatropha tree details is that it is listed as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This shows how versatile and hardy the plant is even when presented to a brand-new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a good replacement for existing biofuels. Its usefulness has been challenged, however it is true the plant can produce seeds with an oil material of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel dispute, as it requires land that could enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "very jatropha curcas" with bigger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to consume due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medical. It is beneficial in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have originated in Central to South America, but it has been introduced around the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha uses is its possible as a clean burning fuel to change fossil fuels. Plantation growing in specific locations has actually been attempted, but general Jatropha curcas growing has been a depressing 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 easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in much faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm climates, however it can make it through a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the finest growth will be accomplished with additional watering occasionally. It doesn't have any major disease or pest concerns in its natural regions. It may be pruned, but flowers and fruit kind on terminal growth, so it is best to wait till after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is necessary. This plant is useful as a hedge or living fence, or just as a decorative 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 former expert chef, she wants edible landscaping.