mission-newenergy-ltd

When you buy through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works.

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 kind of soil at a fast rate, is poisonous, and produces fuel fit for diesel engines. Read on for more Jatropha tree info and see how you rate this plant.

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree?

Jatropha is a seasonal shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical locations. The plant lives for approximately 50 years and might grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) tall. 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 particularly visually enticing, but it does get appealing green cymes of flowerets which become a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These big black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, due to the fact that they are high in burnable oil. An interesting 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 adaptable and sturdy the plant is even when presented to a brand-new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is an excellent replacement for existing biofuels. Its effectiveness has been challenged, but it is real the plant can with an oil material of 37%. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the food vs. fuel argument, as it requires land that could enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to establish a "extremely Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha usages are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are toxic to consume 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 might have come from in Central to South America, however it has actually been presented around the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha utilizes is its prospective as a clean burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in specific locations has actually been attempted, however total Jatropha curcas cultivation has actually been a disappointing failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equate to 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 environments, but it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the best development will be achieved with supplemental watering sometimes. It does not have any major illness or pest problems 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 needed. This plant is beneficial as a hedge or living fence, or simply as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

Gardening ideas, videos, information and more delivered right to your inbox!

Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and get a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".

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