Page 150 - Biofuels Refining and Performance

Raw Materials to Produce Low-Cost Biodiesel 133

4.6.1 Allanblackia oil
Crop description. Allanblackia stuhlmannii and A. floribunda—commonly
known as allanblackia, mkanyi fat, bouandjo, and kagne butter (see
Fig. 4.19)—belong to the family Guttiferae and grow in tropical areas,
mainly in East Africa, Congo, and Cameroons. A high content of hard
white fat (60–80%) can be extracted from the seed kernels of the trees.
Allanblackia fats consist almost entirely of stearic acid (52–58%), oleic
acid (39–45%), and palmitic acid (2–3%) [87]. Allanblackia has received
considerable attention, based on its fat composition rather than its com-
mercial importance [77].

Main uses. The use of the fat in soap manufacture has been suggested
[176]. The timber is suitable for use under damp conditions. The pounded
bark is used for medicinal purposes [177]. No references about its use
as a biodiesel source have been found so far.

4.6.2 Bitter almond oil
Crop description. Prunus communis, P. americana, and P. amygdalus—
commonly known as almond, amandier, mandelbaum, almendro, and
mandorlo (see Fig. 4.20)—belong to the family Rosaceae and grow in
temperate Mediterranean areas. Major producing countries are Italy,
Spain, Morocco, France, Greece, and Iran. The almond tree grows to a
height of 3–8 m. Many varieties of almonds are grown, but they can be

Figure 4.19 Allanblackia stuhl-
mannii. (Photo courtesy of Josina
Kimottho (ICRAF) [www.
worldagroforestry.org/Sites/
TreeDBS/aft/imageSearch.asp].)