Abstract
The fatty acid composition of the low water-use shrub Fremontodendron californicum was examined by high temperature capillary gas chromatography. The ground seeds were extracted by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) to obtain the oil (25.6% w/w) and for subsequent determination of the fatty acid composition. There are five fatty acids present at 1.0% or greater with linoleic 71% of the total. Oleic, palmitic, stearic, vaccenic plus traces of palmitoleic and linolenic comprise the remainder. The fatty acid methyl ester composition would make the oil suitable for biodiesel production.
Highlights
The shrub Fremontodendron califomicum is a member of the plant family Sterculiaceae [1] [2], and is a member of the sub-family Fremontiaceae
The fatty acid composition of the low water-use shrub Fremontodendron californicum was examined by high temperature capillary gas chromatography
The ground seeds were extracted by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) to obtain the oil (25.6% w/w) and for subsequent determination of the fatty acid composition
Summary
The shrub Fremontodendron califomicum is a member of the plant family Sterculiaceae [1] [2], and is a member of the sub-family Fremontiaceae. The shrub is native to California and the southwestern U.S and is commonly found in desert areas and chaparral. It is a low-water use plant and is used in xerophyte and firewise landscaping [3]. We have carried out research to evaluate oilseed crops for potential industrial uses [5] with the goal of identifying crops with unusual fatty acid composition. Such plants may be sources of genetic material for industrially useful fatty acids or, given research interest, may be developed as crops.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
