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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was once 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 rapid rate, is poisonous, and fit for diesel motor. Read on for more jatropha curcas 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 locations. The plant lives for approximately 50 years and might grow nearly 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 visually appealing, but it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which develop into a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These large black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, because they are high in burnable oil. An interesting piece of Jatropha tree information is that it is listed as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This shows how adaptable and sturdy the plant is even when introduced to a brand-new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is an excellent replacement for present 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 argument, as it requires land that could go into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "incredibly Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

jatropha curcas uses are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are hazardous to consume due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medicinal. It is helpful in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant might have come from Central to South America, however it has been presented around the globe and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha uses is its potential as a clean burning fuel to replace nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in specific areas has actually been attempted, however overall Jatropha curcas cultivation has actually been a depressing failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equal the land usage by cropping jatropha curcas.

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 prefers warm environments, however it can make it through a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best growth will be achieved with extra watering sometimes. It does not have any major disease or pest issues in its natural areas. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit kind on terminal growth, so it is best to wait up until after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is required. This plant is beneficial as a hedge or living fence, or simply as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

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