Seed fats of further species of Astelia

Abstract

The seed fats of ten species and one variety of Astelia not previously examined contain 63-82% linoleic, 6-26% oleic and 5-11% palmitic acids, but no trace of γ-linolenic acid. A. nadeaudii of section Desmoneuron contains 58% linoleic, 8% oleic, 6% palmitic and 25% γ-linolenic acids, and in fatty acid content resembles other species of the same section as well as those of section Isoneuron. A rearrangement of Astelia species within the genus would agree better with the fatty acid content of their seeds. © 1975.