But in much the same way that a malnourished sapling will struggle to be a strong tree, so too for a startup starved of cash.

WSJ: Ben Rooney: Should European Startups Change Funding Programs?

Once players place the tree, they will be prompted to take the following four steps to earn Farm Cash in connection with the co-branded card through July 31, 2012.

ENGADGET: AMEX and Zynga team up for themed card, replace cash back with FarmVille rewards

As part of the Zynga Serve Rewards phased program, FarmVille players now have the ability to plant an interactive Serve Money Tree in their Farms which will give them the ability to level up in game and earn Zynga Farm Cash for virtual awards redemption.

ENGADGET: AMEX and Zynga team up for themed card, replace cash back with FarmVille rewards