Originally from the Brazilian rainforest, diesel trees are widely documented as producing large amounts of tree sap that is potent enough to fire a diesel engine.

Much like a rubber tree, the diesel tree is tapped several times a year, with the fuel needing only filtration before use.

Mackay nurseryman Mike Jubow, of Nunyara Wholesale Forestry Nursery, is importing the seeds and expects them to clear final Australian Quarantine Inspection Service approval this week.

While it will take about 15 years for the trees to produce small yields, a one hectare plantation is expected to deliver 10,000 to 12,000 litres a year once in full production.

“When I first heard of them in 2002 and the bloke mentioned them I thought 'pull the other leg',” Mr Jubow said.

“But then I got home and read about them on the internet, and realised their potential for Australia.”

From there, it was a long and difficult process securing the seed from Brazil.

He said there was no danger of the tree becoming a weed because of its difficulty in germinating and demand for very high rainfall.

“I’m hoping to see farmers self sufficient for diesel to run their farms,” he said.

One hurdle on the horizon for the trees is Federal Government's fuel excise, which will come into full effect on biofuels in 2015 once the excise relief period ends.

Based on the current state of play, diesel tree sap will be charged the excise of 38 cents/litre.

Mr Jubow has been lobbying Nationals Senators Barnaby Joyce and Ron Boswell to overturn the excise on fuel from the trees.

SOURCE: Extract from report to be published in Queensland Country Life, November 23.