What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree: Jatropha Uses in The Landscape
When you buy through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works.
jatropha curcas (Jatropha curcas) was when 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 fast rate, is toxic, and produces fuel suitable for diesel engines. 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 places. The plant lives for up to 50 years and may grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) high. It has a deep, thick taproot that makes it versatile to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not especially visually enticing, but it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These large black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, since they are high in burnable oil. An interesting piece of Jatropha tree information is that it is listed as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This proves how adaptable and durable the plant is even when introduced to a new region. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a great replacement for current biofuels. Its usefulness has been challenged, but 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 requires land that could enter into food production. Scientists are trying to establish a "incredibly jatropha curcas" with bigger 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 medicinal. It works in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant might have stemmed in Central to South America, but it has been introduced around the globe and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha uses is its possible as a clean burning fuel to replace fossil fuels. Plantation growing in particular areas has been tried, but general Jatropha curcas growing has been a . This is because the production mass of oil can not equate to the land use 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 climates, but it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the finest development will be attained with additional watering periodically. It doesn't have any significant illness or bug issues in its natural areas. It might be pruned, however flowers and fruit kind on terminal development, so it is best to wait up until after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is essential. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or just as a decorative stand-alone specimen.
Gardening pointers, videos, information and more provided right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Bonnie Grant is an expert landscaper with a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has actually been gardening and composing for 15 years. A former expert chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.