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jatropha curcas (Jatropha curcas) was once touted 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 quick rate, is toxic, and produces fuel suitable for diesel engines. Keep reading for more jatropha curcas 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 simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical places. 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 bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially aesthetically appealing, however it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which become a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These big black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, because they are high in burnable oil. An intriguing piece of Jatropha tree info is that it is noted as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This shows how adaptable and hardy the plant is even when presented to a new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is an excellent alternative to current biofuels. Its usefulness has actually been challenged, however 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 argument, as it requires land that might enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "very Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are hazardous to due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medical. 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 globe and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha uses is its prospective as a clean burning fuel to replace nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in particular areas has been tried, but total Jatropha curcas growing has been a disappointing failure. This is because 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 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 accomplished with supplemental watering sometimes. It does not have any major illness or bug problems in its natural areas. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit form on terminal development, so it is best to wait till after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is needed. This plant is beneficial 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 an Accreditation in Urban Gardening. She has actually been gardening and writing for 15 years. A previous expert chef, she wants edible landscaping.