From hedge to car?

Can this attractive hedge power your car? Probably not, but maybe its cousin can. [Skip O'Rourke | Times]

Scientists have culled biofuel from corn, grass, and now nuts: physic nuts from the Jatropha curcas plant.

Business leaders, agronomists and fuel scientists alike are meeting in Miami this week to discuss the future of a fuel alternative derived from Jatropha seeds. The poisonous shrub produces golf-ball sized fruits containing three oily seeds that can be processed into a biofuel.

The good part about Jatropha: it grows easily in poor soil, does not require much water or fertilizer and can produce more gallons per acre than corn or soy. Not to mention, some varieties do make a rather attractive hedge.

The bad part: Crop yields can vary wildly, and the long-term environmental impact of Jatropha's cultivation is still unknown. Plus, it is toxic and has been called the "vomit nut."

Despite the unanswered questions, Jatropha's business potential has Wall Street excited.

--Catriona Stuart, Times staff writer