Abstract 45

Schultes,-RE

Botanical Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.

Elaeis. 1989, 1: 2, 126-131; 12 ref., 3 pl.

Jessenia bataua, a potential new oil crop which is known as seje in Colombia and Venezuela (and under other vernacular names), is native to the humid tropics of America. Its seed oil and that of species of the closely related genus Oenocarpus are very similar in composition to olive oil. Published research and current investigations on the ecology, biology, oil chemistry and other aspects of J. bataua are discussed. The fruits have several local uses; the mesocarp is eaten, a milk-like beverage is made from the pulp, and the oil is extracted for culinary use. The mesocarp is also an excellent animal feedstuff. The oil contains about 78% oleic acid and 13.5% palmitic acid; the limiting amino acids are tryptophan and lysine at 90% and 96% of recommended levels, respectively. Even without chemical preservative the oil does not become rancid for many months in the hot, humid Amazon environment.