mission-biofuels-india-private-ltd

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

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) was once 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 rapid rate, is toxic, and produces fuel suitable for diesel motor. Continue reading for more jatropha curcas 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 easy to grow in 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 which makes it adaptable to bad, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly visually attractive, however it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which turn 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 curcas tree info is that it is noted as a weed in Brazil, Fiji, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Salvador. This shows how adaptable and sturdy the plant is even when presented to a brand-new area. Jatropha curcas growing can produce oil that is a good alternative for existing biofuels. Its effectiveness has actually 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 dispute, as it needs land that might go into food production. Scientists are trying to develop a "very Jatropha" with bigger seeds and, therefore, bigger oil yields.

Jatropha Curcas Cultivation

jatropha curcas usages are rather restricted. Most parts of the plant are toxic to eat due to the latex sap, however it is used as a medical. It is beneficial in treating snakebite, paralysis, dropsy, and obviously some cancers. The plant may have come from Central to South America, but it has actually been presented around the world and flourishes wild in places like India, Africa, and Asia. Chief amongst Jatropha utilizes is its potential as a tidy burning fuel to change fossil fuels. Plantation cultivation in certain areas has been attempted, however general Jatropha curcas growing has actually been a disappointing failure. This is due to the fact that 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 chooses warm climates, however it can make it through a light frost. The deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant, although the finest growth will be accomplished with supplemental watering occasionally. It does not have any significant illness or bug problems in its natural areas. It might be pruned, but flowers and fruit type on terminal development, so it is best to wait up until after blooming. No other jatropha curcas plant care is needed. This plant is useful as a hedge or living fence, or simply as an ornamental stand-alone specimen.

Gardening ideas, videos, details 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 a professional landscaper with an Accreditation in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A previous professional chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.