I don't suppose you're anywhere near tropical QLD are you? Apparently
an acre planted out with this tree can give up to 4000L of biodiesel a
year (in the same way you get maple syrup from a tree). I got all
excited until I read "Despite its vigorous production of oil the tree
does not grow well outside of the tropics"
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copaifera_langsdorfii>
The tropical rainforest tree Copaifera langsdorffii is known as the
diesel tree and kerosene tree. It has many names in local languages,
including kupa'y, cabismo, and copa=FAva. It produces a large amount of
terpene hydrocarbons in its wood and leaves. One tree can produce 30
to 40 liters of hydrocarbons per year. The oil is collected by tree
tapping. The main compound in the oil is copaiba, an oleoresin which
is useful in the production of oil products such as lacquers and can
be used as biodiesel. The tree is also the main source of copaene,
another terpene.
It is a medium-sized tree usually reaching 12 meters in height, with
white flowers and small, oily fruits. The wood is light due to its
****osity. It is honeycombed with capillaries filled with oil. Tapping
the tree involves cutting a well into which the oil seeps and where it
can be easily collected. Despite its vigorous production of oil the
tree does not grow well outside of the tropics and does not show
promise as a reliable source of biodiesel.
Bees utilize the tree for pollen collection. The wood can be burned
for firewood or used in carpentry. The plant has a great number of
historical medicinal uses.
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