Common name:Tapioca, Cassava, Manioc, Mandioca, Brazil Arrowroot, Para Arrowroot, Rio Arrowroot, Yuca
Regional name:Hindi - Shakarkand, Manipuri - Umangra, Marathi - Prochugaali Chine, Pavde-pharin, Tamil - Maravallikkilanku, Allvalli Kizhangu, Malayalam - Kollikkilannu, Maraccini, Marakkilannu, Telugu - Karrapendalamu, Kannada - Kanagale, Mara Genasu
- Category:
-
Shrubs, Vegetable
- Family:
- Euphorbiaceae or Poinsettia family
- Light:
- Sun growing, Semi shade
- Water:
- Normal, Can tolerate more
- Primarily grown for:
- Foliage
- Flowering season:
- Flowers are inconspicuous
- Foliage color:
- Green
- Plant Height or length:
- 2 to 4 meters
- Plant Spread or Width:
- 1 to 2 meters
- Plant Form:
- Spreading, Upright or Erect
- Special Character:
-
- Good for screening
- Good for Hedges and Borders
- Grows best in humid and warm regions
- Generally available in India in quantities of:
- Over thousands
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Plant Description:
-
Jatropha manihot is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). It is native to Central and South America, and is also known as the "bellyache bush" or "black manioc". It is a perennial shrub or small tree that typically grows to a height of 6-8 meters.
The leaves of Jatropha manihot are dark green, glossy, and ovate or elliptical in shape. They are typically around 15-20 centimeters in length. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are followed by fruit that are typically red, orange, or yellow when ripe. The fruit are drupes, and contain a single seed.
Jatropha manihot is of interest because of the potential use of its seeds as a source of biofuel. The seeds contain a high level of oil, which can be extracted and used as a fuel. In addition, the oil can also be processed to produce a high-quality biodiesel.
The plant is considered invasive in some areas due to its ability to grow in poor soils and thrive in various climates, it is also known to have toxic effects on cattle, horse, sheep and goats when they consume the leaves, fruits and stems.
It is important to note that Jatropha curcas is a different plant species that is also called Jatropha or sometimes physic nut, and is known for producing oil as well, But it also known for its toxicity to animals and humans as well.
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Growing tips:
-
Jatropha manihot is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including poor soil and high heat. However, in order to maximize growth and oil production, it is important to provide the plant with the right care.
Here are some general guidelines for caring for Jatropha manihot:
-
Soil: Jatropha manihot can grow in a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-draining, sandy loam soils that are rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, consider amending it with compost or other organic matter to improve its structure.
-
Water: Jatropha manihot is drought-tolerant, but it will perform best if it receives consistent moisture. Water the plant regularly, and make sure the soil does not dry out completely.
-
Light: Jatropha manihot prefers full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. It is important to avoid planting the shrub under full shade as the plant requires sunlight to grow efficiently.
-
Fertilizer: Jatropha manihot will grow well with minimal fertilizer, but if you want to maximize growth and oil production, you may want to provide the plant with a balanced fertilizer.
-
Pruning: it is recommended to prune the plant to maintain a certain shape, also to remove dead or diseased branches, and to encourage bushier growth. Prune only what needs to be pruned and in a way that the plant will not look bare.
-Pest and Disease: Jatropha manihot is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but can be affected by some common problems such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and whitefly. it is important to monitor the plant regularly and take action as soon as you notice any signs of infestation or disease.
It's also important to note that as mentioned before Jatropha Manihot plant is considered invasive and toxic to humans and animals if ingested, which you need to take into consideration while planting, and it's also recommended to check with the local authorities if Jatropha Manihot is legal to grow in your area.
-
Benefits:
-
Jatropha manihot is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including poor soil and high heat. However, in order to maximize growth and oil production, it is important to provide the plant with the right care.
Here are some general guidelines for caring for Jatropha manihot:
-
Soil: Jatropha manihot can grow in a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-draining, sandy loam soils that are rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, consider amending it with compost or other organic matter to improve its structure.
-
Water: Jatropha manihot is drought-tolerant, but it will perform best if it receives consistent moisture. Water the plant regularly, and make sure the soil does not dry out completely.
-
Light: Jatropha manihot prefers full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. It is important to avoid planting the shrub under full shade as the plant requires sunlight to grow efficiently.
-
Fertilizer: Jatropha manihot will grow well with minimal fertilizer, but if you want to maximize growth and oil production, you may want to provide the plant with a balanced fertilizer.
-
Pruning: it is recommended to prune the plant to maintain a certain shape, also to remove dead or diseased branches, and to encourage bushier growth. Prune only what needs to be pruned and in a way that the plant will not look bare.
-Pest and Disease: Jatropha manihot is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but can be affected by some common problems such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and whitefly. it is important to monitor the plant regularly and take action as soon as you notice any signs of infestation or disease.
It's also important to note that as mentioned before Jatropha Manihot plant is considered invasive and toxic to humans and animals if ingested, which you need to take into consideration while planting, and it's also recommended to check with the local authorities if Jatropha Manihot is legal to grow in your area.
