Indian tree spurge
This quirky tree with pencil-thin branches produces a sap that's perfect for making biodiesel.
Indian tree spurge, or Pencil tree, is a funny looking plant with thin segmented stems like branches. In the wild, it can become a 10 m high tree.
The plant contains a highly toxic, milky juice that irritates the skin and can cause temporary blindness if it gets into the eyes.
Indian tree spurge, however, is very well suited for the production of biodiesel. The milky juice can be converted to a fuel that can directly replace ordinary diesel fuel.
Another advantage of the plant is that it can grow in hot, arid areas where it is difficult to grow other crops.
Fact box:
- Greenhouse location: The Dessert House
- Danish name: Levende pind
- Latin name: Euphorbia tirucalli
- Family: Spurge family / Euphorbiaceae
- Natural habitat: Africa and the Arabian Peninsula
Learn more about other plants here.