Botanic Energy Resources Make Hot Research Topics

America.gov
24 June 2008

National Arboretum showcases power plants to fuel the future
By Lea TerhuneStaff Writer

Washington -- Plants used or being considered for renewable energy sources are the featured celebrities at the U.S. National Arboretum, highlighted in a special exhibit during its Bioenergy Awareness Days launched June 21.

“Power Plants” features flora from around the world: field crops, palms, trees and flowering annuals. The 0.4-hectare (one-acre) exhibit aims to educate visitors about the raw materials of biomass.

“We have 21 plants on display here that are currently being used to produce ethanol and biodiesel or have the potential to do so. They range all the way from … traditional crops like corn and barley and soybeans and things that are tropical and subtropical, sugar cane and jatropha and cuphea, and even some unusual plants such as algae,” Arboretum Director Thomas S. Elias said.

Read the full story