What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree: Jatropha Uses in The Landscape
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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was as soon as promoted 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 poisonous, and produces fuel fit for diesel engines. Keep reading for more Jatropha tree information 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 areas. The plant lives for up to 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 aesthetically attractive, but 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 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 proves how and durable the plant is even when introduced to a new region. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a great alternative to current biofuels. Its effectiveness has 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 argument, as it needs land that might go into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "super Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to eat due to the latex sap, however it is utilized as a medical. It is helpful in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have come from in Central to South America, but it has actually been introduced all over the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha utilizes is its prospective as a clean burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in specific areas has been tried, however general Jatropha curcas cultivation 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 easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in quicker maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm climates, but it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the best growth will be accomplished with additional watering sometimes. It doesn't have any major disease or insect concerns in its natural areas. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit form on terminal growth, so it is best to wait until after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is necessary. This plant works 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 been gardening and composing for 15 years. A former expert chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.