Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: EvaH on 04/05/2020 12:55:30

Title: How could we use tree sap?
Post by: EvaH on 04/05/2020 12:55:30

Anandrai wants to know:

I have often thought about the use of tree sap for human consumption, and its possible use in generating hydroelectric power in large forests. I have installed see-through plastic bags on some trees in my yard and was surprised that within a few days there was a fair amount of clear water collected. I also learnt that some large trees dissipate large quantities of water daily.

What do you think?

Title: Re: How could we use tree sap?
Post by: Bored chemist on 04/05/2020 13:01:22

Quote from: EvaH on 04/05/2020 12:55:30

I have often thought about the use of tree sap for human consumption,

Well, there's this
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maple_syrup
and a few similar products, but not much else.
I wonder if Anandrai knows what sap means.
If you put a bag over a tree, it's not generally sap that will collect.

Title: Re: How could we use tree sap?
Post by: alancalverd on 04/05/2020 13:17:13

And various non-edible products like
natural rubber, including gutta percha - still used in dentistry,
copal (Mexican incense and varnish, used in dentistry and restoring classic aircraft),
amber (still used as an insulator in radiation dosimetry - harder than polyethylene, less piezoelectric than PTFE, less hygroscopic than glass) 

Title: Re: How could we use tree sap?
Post by: evan_au on 05/05/2020 11:36:31

...and some semi-edible products like natural chewing gum.
I seem to reacall that some ancient samples of chewing gum have been found with human teeth imprints...
See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum#History

It's also useful for jewellery and studying ancient insects.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amber

....but as yet, it has not proved usable for de-extincting dinosaurs...