Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed generally to a composition of matter and, more specifically, to a composition comprising a petroleum substitute produced from renewable, woody tree-based sources through a solvent extraction process. The woody tree sources are typically hydrocarbon-bearing trees or shrubs capable of producing significant quantities of liquid terpenes such that the process of extracting hydrocarbons from the woody tree material is economically viable. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the woody tree material is derived from pine or eucalyptus trees, or a combination thereof. These tree species contain relatively large quantities of relatively low molecular weight hydrocarbons. A raw woody tree biomass is processed into a plurality of solvent-permeable wood particles. Naturally occurring hydrocarbons found in the wood particles are then extracted using an organic solvent extraction process.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed generally to a composition of matter and, more specifically, to a composition comprising a petroleum substitute produced from renewable, herbaceous plant-based sources through a solvent extraction process. The plant sources are typically hydrocarbon-bearing plants capable of producing significant quantities of liquid terpenes such that the process of extracting hydrocarbons from the plant material is economically viable. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plant species is Euphorbia tirucalli, a species that contains relatively large quantities of relatively low molecular weight hydrocarbons. A raw plant biomass is milled and formed into a batt of plant material having generally uniform properties. Naturally occurring hydrocarbons found in the plant material are then extracted using an organic solvent extraction process.