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Jatropha (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 type of soil at a rapid rate, is toxic, 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 is a perennial shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical locations. The plant lives for approximately 50 years and might grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) high. It has a deep, thick taproot that makes it versatile to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly aesthetically appealing, but it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which become a with big black seeds. These big black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, since they are high in burnable oil. An interesting piece of jatropha curcas tree information is that it is noted as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This proves how adaptable and durable the plant is even when presented to a brand-new region. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a good substitute for present biofuels. Its effectiveness has actually been challenged, but it is real the plant can produce seeds with an oil content of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel debate, as it requires land that might enter into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a "super Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to consume due to the latex sap, but it is used as a medicinal. It works in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant might have come from Central to South America, but it has been introduced around the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha uses is its prospective as a clean burning fuel to change fossil fuels. Plantation cultivation in particular areas has actually been tried, but total Jatropha curcas cultivation has actually been a disappointing failure. This is due to the fact that 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 lead to quicker maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm environments, but it can make it through a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the finest growth will be accomplished with supplemental watering sometimes. It does not have any major illness or insect issues in its natural regions. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit kind on terminal development, 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 a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and composing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she has an enthusiasm for edible landscaping.