Terminalia catappa is popularly known in Brazil as ‘castanhola’ (dos Santos et al., 2008). The tree is tolerant to strong winds and moderately high salinity in the root zone (Fig. 4.6). It grows principally in freely drained, well-aerated and sandy soils.

The oil is obtained from the kernels of the fruit (that is non-edible and considered a waste), with yields around 49% w/w (Abdullah and Anelli, 1980). Biodiesel production, using either basic or acid catalysts, has been studied, concluding that basic catalysts performed more efficiently producing a yield of ca. 93% biodiesel (dos Santos et al., 2008).