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

Myron Rolleston edited this page 8 hours ago

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

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was once touted as the brand-new wunderkind plant for biofuel. What is a tree? The tree or bush grows in any kind of soil at a fast rate, is hazardous, and produces fuel suitable for diesel motor. Read on for more Jatropha tree information 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 simple to grow in tropical to semi-tropical places. The plant lives for approximately 50 years and may grow almost 20 feet (6 m.) high. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it adaptable to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly aesthetically attractive, however it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which develop into a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These large black seeds are the factor for all the hullaballoo, since they are high in burnable oil. An interesting piece of Jatropha tree info is that it is listed as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This shows how versatile and durable the plant is even when introduced to a brand-new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a great replacement for existing biofuels. Its usefulness has actually been challenged, however 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 argument, as it needs land that could enter into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a "incredibly Jatropha" with larger seeds and, for that reason, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

jatropha curcas uses are rather limited. Most parts of the plant are harmful to consume due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medicinal. It works in dealing with snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and apparently some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, however it has actually been presented around the globe and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha utilizes is its potential as a clean burning fuel to change nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in specific locations has been tried, but overall Jatropha curcas cultivation has actually been a miserable failure. This is because the production mass of oil can not equate to the land use by cropping jatropha curcas.

Jatropha Plant Care and Growth

The plant is easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Cuttings result in much faster maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm environments, however 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 doesn't have any major disease or insect issues in its natural areas. It may be pruned, but flowers and fruit type on terminal growth, so it is best to wait till after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is necessary. This plant is useful as a hedge or living fence, or just as a decorative stand-alone specimen.

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

Register 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 an Accreditation in Urban Gardening. She has actually been gardening and composing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she wants edible landscaping.