Pittosporum resiniferum

Petroleum nut
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Pittosporaceae
Genus: Pittosporum
Species: P. resiniferum
Binomial name
Pittosporum resiniferum
Hemsl.[1]
"Hanga" redirects here. For Japanese woodblock prints, see Woodblock printing in Japan.

The petroleum nut, Pittosporum resiniferum, is a tree that grows in the Philippines and Malaysia, particularly in the wilderness surrounding the Mayon Volcano and in the Cordillera of the Philippines and Mount Kinabalu of Sabah, Malaysia.[1] The petroleum nut derives its name from the resemblance of the fruit's odor to petroleum-based fuels. The fruits of the tree burn brightly when ignited, and can be used for illumination as torches or candles.[2] Its fruit is also highly suitable for use in producing biofuel. This use has been encouraged by the Philippines Department of Agrarian Reform and the Philippine Coconut Authority.[3]

In the Philippine Cordilleras petroleum nut is locally known as apisang, abkel, abkol and da-il, is found among other trees like oak and other mossy forest species. It can also grow well with pine trees.[4]

The oil can also be distilled into a very pure form of n-Heptane.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sugau, John B. (1995). "Pittosporum resiniferum Hemsl.". In Soepadmo, E.; Wong, K. M. Tree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak. (free online from the publisher, lesser resolution scan PDF versions) 1. Forest Research Institute Malaysia. p. 303. ISBN 983-9592-34-3. Retrieved June 27, 2012.
  2. ↑ Duke Energy Handbook www.hort.purdue.edu. Accessed May 17, 2007
  3. ↑ Bengwayan, Michael (First published November 15, 2010). "Petroleum Nut: Sustainable, Wonder Biofuel". Pine Tree Cordillera Ecological Center. Ideas Connection. Retrieved November 17, 2010. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ↑ Malanes, Maurice (December 27, 2011). "Social network paves way for interest in fuel-producing tree". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved January 2, 2012.

External links