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

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Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was once promoted as the brand-new wunderkind plant for biofuel. What is a Jatropha curcas tree? The tree or bush grows in any type of soil at a rapid rate, is harmful, and produces fuel fit for diesel motor. Keep reading for more Jatropha 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 as much as 50 years and may 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 particularly aesthetically appealing, however it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with large 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 intriguing 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 and durable the plant is even when introduced to a new region. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a great alternative to existing biofuels. Its effectiveness has actually been challenged, however it is real 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 might go into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a "extremely Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are toxic to consume 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 might have come from Central to South America, however it has been presented around the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha uses is its potential as a clean burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in specific locations has been attempted, but overall Jatropha curcas growing has been a disappointing failure. This is since 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 endure 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 illness or bug problems in its natural areas. It may be pruned, but flowers and fruit type on terminal development, so it is best to wait till 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 a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she wants edible landscaping.