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jatropha curcas (Jatropha curcas) was as soon as 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 fast rate, is toxic, and produces fuel fit for diesel engines. Keep reading for more jatropha curcas 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.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it adaptable to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially aesthetically enticing, however it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These large black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, because they are high in burnable oil. An intriguing piece of Jatropha tree information is that it is listed as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This shows how adaptable and sturdy the plant is even when presented to a brand-new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is an excellent alternative to existing biofuels. Its effectiveness has been challenged, but it holds true the plant can produce seeds with an oil material of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel debate, as it needs land that could enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "super Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

jatropha curcas usages are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to consume due to the latex sap, however it is utilized as a medicinal. It works in dealing with 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 among jatropha curcas uses is its possible as a tidy burning fuel to replace fossil fuels. Plantation growing in particular locations has been tried, but total Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a disappointing 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 simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm climates, but it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the best development will be achieved with extra watering occasionally. It does not have any major disease or pest issues in its natural regions. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit kind on terminal growth, so it is best to wait up until after flowering. No other jatropha curcas plant care is necessary. This plant is useful 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 composing for 15 years. A former expert chef, she wants edible landscaping.