mission-biotechnologies-sdn.-bhd

When you purchase through links on our website, we might make an affiliate commission. Here's how it works.

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 suitable for diesel engines. Continue reading 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 areas. The plant lives for up to 50 years and might grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it versatile to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly aesthetically enticing, however it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which develop into a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These big black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, since they are high in burnable oil. A fascinating 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 shows how versatile and sturdy the plant is even when presented to a new area. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a great replacement for present biofuels. Its usefulness has been challenged, however it is 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 requires land that might go into food production. Scientists are attempting to establish a "super Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are toxic to eat due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medical. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant might have stemmed in Central to South America, but it has been presented around the world and flourishes wild in locations like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha utilizes is its prospective as a tidy burning fuel to replace fossil fuels. Plantation cultivation in certain areas has actually been tried, however general Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a depressing 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 simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings lead to much faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm environments, but it can survive a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the best development will be achieved with extra watering periodically. It does not have any major disease or insect issues in its natural regions. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit type on terminal development, so it is best to wait till after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is essential. This plant is helpful as a hedge or living fence, or simply as a specimen.

Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered 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 a professional landscaper with a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and composing for 15 years. A previous professional chef, she wants edible landscaping.