Multipurpose oil‐bearing plants tolerant of arid or semiarid environments

Ninety‐six plant species from Arizona were examined for their multipurpose oil‐producing potential. Whole‐plant samples, excluding roots, were analyzed for “oil,” “polyphenol,” “hydrocarbon” and apparent protein contents as well as for botanical features. Oil fractions of species that yielded at least 3.0% oil (dry, ash‐free plant basis) were analyzed for classes of lipid constituents. After saponification of these oils, contents of free fatty acids and unsaponifiable matter were determined. Rubber from species that yielded at least 0.4% hydrocarbon was analyzed for average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution.Mortonia scabrella yielded the most oil (6.6%) and a substantial amount of polyphenol (16.0%).Lepidium oblongum gave 5.8% oil and 27.1% protein.Apodanthera undulata gave 5.8% oil and 22.4% protein.Ligustrum japonicum yielded 5.3% oil and 27.4% polyphenol.Olea europaea yielded the most polyphenol (29.4%), andSisymbrium irio contained the most protein (35.0%). Several other species yielded substantial amounts of oil (up to 5.4%) and/or polyphenol (up to 28.7%). Maximum yield of hydrocarbon was 0.9% forEuphorbia albomarginata. Analytical data and a preliminary examination of botanical characteristics suggest that at least 10 of the 96 species should be studied further for their industrial potential. Data are discussed with respect to species previously analyzed at this Center.