When you purchase through links on our site, we might earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works.
Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was when 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 fast rate, is harmful, and produces fuel suitable 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 easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical places. The plant lives for up to 50 years and might grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) high. 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 especially visually enticing, but it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which become a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds. These large black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, since 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 shows how adaptable and durable the plant is even when introduced to a brand-new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a good alternative for present biofuels. Its usefulness has 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 debate, as it requires land that might go into food production. Scientists are attempting to develop a "super Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.
Jatropha Curcas Cultivation
Jatropha usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to consume due to the latex sap, but it is used 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, however it has actually been introduced all over the world and in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst jatropha curcas uses is its prospective as a clean burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation growing in certain areas has actually been tried, however overall Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a dismal failure. This is since the production mass of oil can not equal the land use by cropping Jatropha.
jatropha curcas Plant Care and Growth
The plant is simple to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm environments, however it can endure a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best growth will be attained with supplemental watering periodically. It does not have any significant disease or bug problems in its natural regions. It may be pruned, however flowers and fruit type on terminal growth, so it is best to wait till after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is essential. This plant works as a hedge or living fence, or just as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.
Gardening suggestions, videos, info and more provided right to your inbox!
Register for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a complimentary 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.
1
What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree: Jatropha Uses in The Landscape
Chloe Rosen edited this page 1 month ago