Crops Field scabious (Knautia arvensis)

Field scabious is a wild plant, native to many parts of Europe, where it is most common in dry, grassy areas. It is now regarded as a potential oilseed crop: the seeds contain about 25 percent oil, of which some 33-40 percent is in the form of the saturated caprylic and capric acids. These acids are being increasingly used in high-performance oils for jet engines and other lubricants of high quality, and also in the preparation of some valued dietary fats. At present, the only directly available sources of these acids are coconut and palm kernel oil, which are imported principally for their content of lauric acid, used in soap and detergent manufacture. A locally grown source of these acids would be welcomed by the oleochemical industry; preliminary agronomic studies have been undertaken at Sonning during recent years.

This entry forms part of the publication Crops for Industry and Energy in Europe

References:

Davison, M W & Martin, N V (Eds) (1981) Field Guide to the Wild Flowers of Britain. London: The Readers Digest Association Ltd.

Mabey, R (1996) Flora Britannica. London: Sinclair-Stevenson .