ABSTRACT
This chapter provides information on the uses, folk medicine, chemistry, germplasm, distribution, ecology, cultivation, harvesting, yields, energy, and biotic factors of Petroleum Nut. Called petroleum nuts because of the fancied resemblance of the odor of the fruit's oil to that of petroleum, the fruits, even green ones, burn brilliantly when ignited. Hence, they are used like torch nuts or candlenuts for illumination in the bush. The fruit is used as a panacea by Philippine traditionalists — especially for abdominal pain. The oleoresin is used to treat muscular pains and skin diseases. The nut decoction is used for colds. Crushed nuts are mixed with coconut oil as a relief for myalgia. R. Hurov says the fruit is used to treat rheumatism, muscle pains, and wounds. Seeds and cutting can be used to propagate the tree. Seeds may lose their vitality rather rapidly. Seeds are harvested from the wild.
