Characteristics and fatty acid composition of Brachychiton species seeds and the oils (Sterculiaceae)

Abstract

The percentage contents of oil and protein in the seeds of Brachychiton rupestris, Brachychiton australis, Brachychiton acuminatus, and Brachychiton gregori (Sterculiaceae) were 28.7, 29.6, 32.5, and 29.8% and 23.6, 23.5, 22.0 and 22.0%, respectively. The major fatty acid was oleic in B. acuminatus and linoleic in the other three seed oils. Cyclopropene fatty acids, malvalic and sterculic, were present in appreciable concentrations (6.6-10.6% and 0.5-2.2%). Cyclopropene fatty acids were identified and estimated by using combination of spectroscopic, chemical, and chromatographic analyses.