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

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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 kind of soil at a rapid rate, is poisonous, and produces fuel fit for diesel engines. Keep reading for more Jatropha tree details 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 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 appealing, however it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which become a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These big black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, due to the fact that they are high in burnable oil. A fascinating 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 shows how versatile and hardy the plant is even when introduced to a new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a great replacement for present biofuels. Its usefulness has actually been challenged, however it is true the plant can produce seeds with an oil content of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel argument, as it requires land that could enter into food production. Scientists are trying to establish a "incredibly Jatropha" with larger seeds and, for that reason, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

jatropha curcas usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are toxic to eat due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medicinal. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have originated in to South America, however it has been introduced all over the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha utilizes is its prospective as a clean burning fuel to replace fossil fuels. Plantation growing in specific areas has been tried, but general Jatropha curcas growing has been a miserable failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equal the land usage by cropping Jatropha.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to 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 additional watering periodically. It doesn't have any significant illness or insect concerns 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 flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is required. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or simply as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

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