UF team finds ‘alligator tree’ bacteria might improve cellulosic ethanol production

University of Florida News
Filed under Agriculture, Environment, Florida, Research on Monday, July 27, 2009.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Most would identify the tree by its often troublesome, spiky “gumballs,” but what many call the sweetgum tree also goes by another name, thanks to its distinctive, reptilian bark: the alligator tree.

So it may be fitting that researchers from the University of Florida, home of the Gators, have found that bacteria growing in its wood may improve the process of making the fuel that might help solve the nation’s energy crisis.

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