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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was once touted as the new wunderkind plant for . What is a Jatropha curcas tree? The tree or bush grows in any kind of soil at a fast rate, is harmful, and produces fuel fit for diesel motor. Continue reading for more Jatropha tree details 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 easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. The plant lives for as much as 50 years and might grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it versatile to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially aesthetically attractive, however it does get attractive 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, since they are high in burnable oil. An intriguing piece of Jatropha tree information is that it is noted as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This proves how versatile and hardy the plant is even when introduced to a brand-new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is an excellent replacement for existing biofuels. Its usefulness has actually been challenged, but it holds true the plant can produce seeds with an oil content of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel dispute, as it needs land that could enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "very Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

jatropha curcas usages are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are toxic to consume due to the latex sap, however it is utilized as a medical. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant might have come from in Central to South America, however it has actually been presented all over the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha uses is its possible as a clean burning fuel to replace nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in particular locations has been attempted, but overall Jatropha curcas growing has 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 easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm climates, but it can make it through a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best growth will be achieved with additional watering periodically. It does not have any significant disease or insect problems in its natural areas. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit kind on terminal growth, so it is best to wait till after blooming. No other jatropha curcas plant care is necessary. This plant is helpful as a hedge or living fence, or simply 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.