----- Original Message -----
From: "Zell, Chris"
I don't remember the exact article, I think it was published many
years
ago in Science News. Some guy in Brazil discovered a "diesel
fuel"
tree.
Apparently, there's some tropical tree whose sap is so oily, you
can tap
it and pour it directly into your truck tank.
Hmmm...Googling for this - there is the Pongamia pinnata of India,
which goes by several names: Honge, Pinnata, or Karanjia. Here is
a good site for diodiesel:
http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_link.html
Jatropha --- seems to be the best choice found so far - it is
quick growning - a huge advantage. Pongamia is a slow growth tree
taking many years to mature. Jatropha Curcas can produce seeds in
as little as 15 months from planting seedlings. I don't know about
Castor oil, but the poisonous part does not bode well in the age
of terrorism - and as it is a perrenial it would need to be
replanted every year.
Best of all - there is supposed to be a frost tolerant variety of
Jatropha Curcas growing in the mountains of Parana Brazil. But I
have not found any information on the detials of growing it in the
USA.
Without a doubt, a high yield frost resistant variety of Jatropha
Curcas could revolutionize the oil seed farming industry around
the world (assuring the long term success of biodiesel). Somewhat
surprising that China hasn't gotten into this niche, but perhaps
they have enough trouble just feeding the masses.
Another interesting site:
http://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2005/september/biodiesel.htm
