Pittosporum resiniferum

Pittosporum resiniferum, the resin cheesewood[2] or petroleum nut, 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.[3] 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.[4]

Petroleum nut
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Pittosporaceae
Genus: Pittosporum
Species:
P. resiniferum
Binomial name
Pittosporum resiniferum

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.[5]

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

References
  1. Sugau, John B. (1995). "Pittosporum resiniferum Hemsl.". In Soepadmo, E.; Wong, K. M. (eds.). 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. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 27, 2013. Retrieved June 27, 2012.
  2. "Pittosporum resiniferum". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  3. Duke Energy Handbook www.hort.purdue.edu. Accessed May 17, 2007
  4. 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)
  5. Malanes, Maurice (December 27, 2011). "Social network paves way for interest in fuel-producing tree". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved January 2, 2012.


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