Govt eyes up traditional plant as source of alternative fuel

A humble traditional Thai plant could gain enormous economic importance as a result of government efforts to promote it as a source of alternative energy.

Known popularly as 'purging nut' or 'physic nut', Jatropha curcas L. has been used for centuries both as a natural remedy and for its oil. But now the Department of Agricultural Extension is forging ahead with research into the plant known in Thai as 'saboo dam', which could provide fuel at a time when global oil prices are soaring.

For more on the uses of Jatropha curcas L. see here.