Which Plant Gives More Oil?

The oil palm produces the most oil per acre of any crop, making it the most efficient plant for oil production.

Unpacking Oil Production Efficiency

When considering which plant yields the most oil, the oil palm stands out significantly. It is recognized for its unparalleled productivity per unit of land, surpassing all other oil-bearing crops in terms of yield. This high efficiency makes palm oil a dominant player in the global vegetable oil market.

Diverse Sources of Plant Oils

While the oil palm is the leader in raw oil production efficiency, various other plants contribute to the world's oil supply, often as by-products of other primary industries or from less conventional sources.

• By-product Oils: Many common oils are not the primary focus of the crops they come from.
  • Cottonseed oil: This oil is a by-product of cotton cultivation, primarily grown for its fibers.
  • Corn oil: Similarly, corn is largely cultivated for grain, with corn oil being a valuable by-product of its processing.
• Unconventional Sources: Even plants traditionally considered weeds can be processed for their oil content. These oils are often extracted from seeds collected during other agricultural processes.
  • Wild radish oil: Derived from weed seeds often separated from cereal grains.
  • Wild mustard oil: Another example of oil extracted from weed seeds collected in large terminal elevators.

To illustrate the variety of oil sources mentioned, consider the following:

This highlights that while the oil palm is the most productive dedicated oil crop, the broader landscape of plant-based oils includes diverse sources, some of which are integral to the efficient utilization of agricultural by-products and even what might otherwise be considered waste.