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jatropha curcas (Jatropha 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 hazardous, and produces fuel suitable for diesel engines. Read on 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 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 adaptable to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially visually enticing, however it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These large black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, due to the fact that they are high in burnable oil. An intriguing 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 proves how adaptable and hardy the plant is even when presented to a new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a good alternative to existing 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 argument, as it requires land that might enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "very Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are toxic to consume due to the latex sap, however it is utilized 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 locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha uses is its potential as a clean burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in certain areas has actually been attempted, however overall Jatropha curcas growing has been a miserable failure. This is due to the fact that the production mass of oil can not equal the land use by cropping Jatropha.

jatropha curcas Plant Care and Growth

The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to quicker 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 accomplished with additional watering sometimes. It does not have any significant disease or pest issues in its natural areas. It may be pruned, but flowers and fruit kind on terminal growth, so it is best to wait until after blooming. No other jatropha curcas 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 an Accreditation in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she has an enthusiasm for edible landscaping.