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

ferdinandwilfo edited this page 2025-01-12 15:51:05 +08:00

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

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was when touted 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 rapid rate, is hazardous, and produces fuel suitable for diesel motor. 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 easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical places. 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 especially aesthetically enticing, but it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with big black seeds. These big black seeds are the reason for all the hullaballoo, because they are high in burnable oil. A fascinating 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 shows how versatile and hardy the plant is even when presented to a new area. Jatropha curcas cultivation can produce oil that is a good alternative to current biofuels. Its usefulness has actually been challenged, but 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 needs land that might enter into food production. Scientists are attempting to establish a "super jatropha curcas" with larger seeds and, therefore, larger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

jatropha curcas uses are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are harmful to consume due to the latex sap, but it is used as a medicinal. It works in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, however it has been presented all over the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief among Jatropha uses is its prospective as a clean burning fuel to replace nonrenewable fuel sources. Plantation cultivation in particular areas has actually been tried, but overall Jatropha curcas cultivation has been a dismal failure. This is due to the fact that 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 result in quicker maturity and quicker seed production. It prefers warm climates, but it can make it through a light frost. The makes it drought-tolerant, although the very best development will be attained with extra watering periodically. It doesn't have any major illness or insect issues in its natural areas. It might be pruned, however flowers and fruit type on terminal growth, so it is best to wait till after flowering. No other Jatropha plant care is needed. This plant is useful as a hedge or living fence, or simply as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

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

Sign up 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 an expert landscaper with an Accreditation in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and composing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she wants edible landscaping.