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

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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 type of soil at a quick rate, is toxic, and produces fuel fit for diesel motor. Continue reading for more Jatropha tree information and see how you rate this plant.

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree?

jatropha curcas is a perennial shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical locations. The plant lives for as much as 50 years and may grow almost 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 visually appealing, but it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which develop into a tri-compartment fruit 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 shows how versatile and durable the plant is even when presented to a new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is an excellent alternative to current biofuels. Its effectiveness has actually been challenged, but it is true the plant can produce seeds with an oil material of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel dispute, as it needs land that could enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "super jatropha curcas" with bigger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

jatropha curcas usages are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are hazardous to eat due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medical. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, but it has actually been presented around the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha uses is its possible as a tidy burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in particular locations has been tried, however overall Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a dismal failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equate to the land use by cropping Jatropha.

jatropha curcas Plant Care and Growth

The plant is easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in much faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm climates, however it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the finest development will be attained with supplemental watering periodically. It does not have any significant illness or pest problems in its natural regions. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit type on terminal growth, so it is best to wait till after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is essential. This plant is useful as a hedge or living fence, or simply as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

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Bonnie Grant is an expert landscaper with a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has actually been and writing for 15 years. A previous professional chef, she wants edible landscaping.