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What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree: Jatropha Uses in The Landscape

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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was once promoted 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 harmful, and produces fuel fit for diesel engines. Read on for more Jatropha tree info 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 as much as 50 years and may 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 particularly aesthetically attractive, however it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which become 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 interesting 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 durable the plant is even when introduced to a new area. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is an excellent alternative to existing biofuels. Its usefulness has 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 debate, as it needs land that might enter into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a "very Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are harmful to consume due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medicinal. It works in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, however it has actually been presented around the globe and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha utilizes is its potential as a clean burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in certain locations has been tried, but general Jatropha curcas cultivation has actually been a dismal 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 simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in faster 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 very best growth will be accomplished with supplemental watering sometimes. It does not have any major disease or in its natural areas. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit form on terminal development, so it is best to wait until after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is needed. This plant is helpful 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 an Accreditation in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A previous expert chef, she wants edible landscaping.