TubeNet

Every now and then the internet offers up some real gems. This link seems to lead to a person who offers Tuba seeds! I'm wondering what kind he has, but since I'm not a member I guess I can't find out

http://www.alibaba.com/manufacturer/143 ... ling_.html

Plus it looks like a limited time offer, expires 4/11/07!

Oh well, likely they wouldn't grow in my zone anyway.

Rob

A simple google of tuba-tuba found this:

http://herbal-medicine.philsite.net/tuba-tuba.htm

The Tuba-tuba Plant (Jatropha curcas)

Also known as Tubang Bakod in Tagalog, Physic Nut in English or interchangeably tuba-tuba or Jatropha. The latest craze to hit the agri-business in the Philippines. Primarily for its oil to produce biodiesel. The Tuba-tuba has been planted in the Philippines for quite some time but it was used mainly as fencing since it animals do not eat the leaves -even the insatiable goat would not eat the leaves. The ever increasing price of petroleum prices has triggered interest on the Tuba-tuba or Jatropha.

Also don't forget, tuba is a sweet liquor made from palm leaves. It originated in the Philippines but when I lived on the island of Guam, I often saw moonshiners selling home made tuba in the parking lot of the Guam Main Facility post office in Barrigada. The fact that I was the tuba player with the Guam Symphony met with unusual comments by some folks. You could buy "tuba bread" (made with the liquor) at many supermarkets. It was baked on the island of Saipan.

Since it is a good source for oil, if you could grow tubas from it, they would have built in valve lubrication.