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

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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was when 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 hazardous, and produces fuel fit for diesel engines. Keep reading for more Jatropha tree info and see how you rate this plant.

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree?

jatropha curcas is a perennial shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. The plant lives for approximately 50 years and may grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) tall. 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 appealing, however it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These large black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, due to the fact that they are high in burnable oil. An intriguing piece of jatropha curcas tree info 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 good substitute for present biofuels. Its usefulness has been challenged, however it is true the plant can with an oil content of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel debate, as it requires land that might go into food production. Scientists are attempting to establish a "incredibly jatropha curcas" with larger seeds and, for that reason, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

jatropha curcas uses are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are toxic to eat due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medical. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, however it has been introduced worldwide and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha uses is its potential as a tidy burning fuel to replace fossil fuels. Plantation cultivation in certain areas has actually been tried, however overall Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a depressing failure. This is since 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 cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in quicker maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm climates, but it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best development will be accomplished with supplemental watering occasionally. It doesn't have any major illness or pest concerns in its natural regions. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit form on terminal growth, so it is best to wait till after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is needed. This plant is helpful 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 has a passion for edible landscaping.