Seed fats of some new zealand and australian monocotyledons

Abstract

Seed fats of twelve monocotyledons found in New Zealand and Australia have been examined. Those of two species of Cordyline (Agavaceae), Xanthorrhoea hastilis (Xanthorrhoeaceae) and Hypoxis pusilla (Hypoxidaceae) contain 45-84% linoleic acid and are similar to other members of the Agavaceae and Liliaceae. Two species of Ripogonum and two of Smilax (Smilacaceae) have as predominant fatty acids linoleic 26-49%, oleic 10-47% and palmitic 15-31%. Luzuriaga parviflora (Philesiaceae), unlike other monocotyledons studied, contains 15% cis-11-eicosenoic, 12% cis-13-docosenoic and 7% cis-15-tetracosenoic acids. Three species of Rhopalostylis (Palmae) differ from other members of the Palmae in containing less lauric (3-11%) and myristic (1-17%) acids and more linoleic acid (18-59%). © 1970.