mission-biofuels-india-private-ltd

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

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 touted as the new wunderkind plant for biofuel. What is a Jatropha curcas tree? The tree or bush grows in any kind of soil at a quick rate, is harmful, and produces fuel fit for diesel engines. Keep reading for more jatropha curcas tree information and see how you rate this plant.

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree?

jatropha curcas is a perennial shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical places. The plant lives for approximately 50 years and might grow almost 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 especially aesthetically appealing, but it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which develop into 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 details is that it is listed as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This proves how versatile and sturdy the plant is even when presented to a new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a great alternative to present biofuels. Its effectiveness has actually been challenged, however it holds true 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 establish a "extremely Jatropha" with larger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

Jatropha uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are poisonous to consume due to the latex sap, but it is utilized as a medicinal. It is helpful in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant might have come from in Central to South America, however it has actually 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 change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in particular areas has been attempted, however total Jatropha curcas growing has been a miserable failure. This is due to the fact that the production mass of oil can not equate to the land use by cropping Jatropha.

jatropha curcas Plant Care and Growth

The plant is easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm environments, however it can make it through a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best development will be accomplished with extra watering periodically. It does not have any or insect problems in its natural regions. It might be pruned, however flowers and fruit type on terminal growth, so it is best to wait until after blooming. No other Jatropha plant care is essential. This plant is beneficial as a hedge or living fence, or just as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

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

Register 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 an Accreditation in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A previous expert chef, she has an enthusiasm for edible landscaping.