Until I wrote a story about China growing Jatropha in mass quantities earlier this year, I'd never heard of the plant. Now, it seems that wherever I turn someone's got Jatropha ambitions. It's gotten so bad that I feel compelled to ditch tomatoes, scrap the pumpkins, and grow some nuts. (No editor comments allowed)

What's Jatropha you ask? Up until recently, it's simply been a plant that's useful for live fencing and evil intentions: the nut it produces is deadly. Eastern countries, however, are intent on harvesting it for its biodiesel properties. Those black nuts contain more than 30% oil! Better yet, the fuel burns with a clean flame, producing a fraction of the emissions of traditional diesel. If you're looking for a reason to jump even higher, the oil can be used in simple diesel engines without any refining. Just mix in and go. How's that for efficient?

Countries like Thailand, India, China, Indonesia, and the Philippines are developing energy policies around the use of Jatropha. Most are highly dependent on oil imports, and therefore, are looking for simple, effective alternatives. The plant is particularly effective in this part of the world since it is easy to grow, starts producing nuts quickly, and is highly drought-resistant. After making use of the oil, the seed cakes that are left can be used as fertilizer or as a heat source when burned. What's not to love?

Currently Thailand only has 20,000 acres of Jatropha planted — compared to the nearly 33 million China plans on investing in. In this instance, farmers are reluctant to plant since there's no market, while the government is reluctant to support because there aren't enough plants. Eventually someone is going to have to budge. Most expect rising oil prices and environmental awareness will push the issue and Jatropha into the limelight. Meanwhile, the U.S. is still stuck with corn. Blah. Bring on the real alternative plants of the future. No one will miss poisonous nuts, but there always room for corn on the menu. Let's stick with what's most efficient for each need.