Abstract
The distribution of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) was studied in the seed oil of six Cape Verdian Boraginaceae. The GLA ranges from trace levels in the three Heliotropum surveyed to 22.2% on saponifiable oil in Echium stenosiphon. All Echium species had GLA percentages in their seed oil around 20%. Echium seeds yield saponifiable oil from 15.8% (E. stenosiphon) to 17.3% (E. hypertropicum).
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology and FEDER, for their financial support (Projects Ref. PPQ2001-3544-C02-02 and CTQ2001 07302/P).