James A. Duke. Handbook of Energy Crops. Biotic Factors References Uses Sold, for example, by Maryland nurseries as the Mole Plant, this attractive poisonous evergreen perennial belongs to a family, many species of which are believed to repel moles.
Castor bean is another Euphorbiaceous plant believed to repel moles and other subterranean pests.
Calvin states that the hydrocarbon produced by the plant could probably be used directly in existing refineries, after it had been separated from the water. If these estimates prove to be correct, however, the petroleum plant would have virtues to outweigh its poisonous and weed properties. If Calvin's optimistic estimates are proven, the plant merits further attention. It is difficult to believe that Euphorbia lathyris would produce 10 times more latex than guayule. However the latex in Maryland-grown material is extremely copious.