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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 type of soil at a fast rate, is toxic, and produces fuel suitable for diesel motor. 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 simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical areas. The plant lives for up to 50 years and may grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot that makes it versatile to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially enticing, but it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These big black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, because they are high in burnable oil. An intriguing piece of Jatropha tree details is that it is listed 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 region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a great alternative to current biofuels. Its usefulness has actually been challenged, but 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 argument, as it needs land that could enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to establish a "very Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.
Jatropha Curcas Cultivation
Jatropha usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to eat due to the latex sap, but it is used as a medical. It works in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, however it has been presented worldwide and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha utilizes is its prospective as a clean burning fuel to replace nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in specific locations has been tried, however general Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a dismal failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equal the land use by cropping Jatropha.
Jatropha Plant Care and Growth
The plant is easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to much faster maturity and quicker seed production. It chooses warm climates, however it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the finest growth will be accomplished with extra watering periodically. It does not have any significant illness or insect concerns in its natural areas. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit kind on terminal development, so it is best to wait until after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is necessary. This plant is beneficial 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 writing for 15 years. A former expert chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.
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What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree: Jatropha Uses in The Landscape
inesmcgregor66 edited this page 5 months ago