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Chemical constituents and energy content of two milkweeds,Asclepias speciosa andA. curassavica

Economic Botany volume 39, pages 47–55 (1985)Cite this article

Abstract

Asclepias speciosa and A. curassavica were evaluated as potential renewable sources of chemicals for use as fuel and/or chemical feedstock. Leaves and stems of both plants were analyzed for acid-detergent fiber, acid-detergent lignin, cellulose and ash. Bomb calorimetry was performed onA. curassavica (leaves 4,590 cal/g; stems 4,219 cal/g; and latex 4,663 cal/g), andA. speciosa (leaves 4,404 cal/g; stems 4,514 cal/g; and latex 9,005 cal/g). Organic carbon inA. curassavica (leaves 41.20%; stems 41.18%; latex 48.03%) andA. speciosa (stems 45.71%; leaves 42.51%; latex 67.30%) were also determined. Major differences between the 2 plant species were in the chemical composition of the latex; A. speciosa latex contained primarily α- and β-amyrin and their acetates, and a small amount of rubber, whileA. curassavica latex is known to contain at least 50% cardiac glycoside.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, 95616, Davis, CA

    James N. Seiber

Authors
  1. Jeanette Van Emon
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  2. James N. Seiber
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Emon, J.V., Seiber, J.N. Chemical constituents and energy content of two milkweeds,Asclepias speciosa andA. curassavica . Econ Bot 39, 47–55 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02861174

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02861174

Keywords

  • Lignin
  • Rice Straw
  • Economic Botany
  • Cardiac Glycoside
  • Edible Wild Plant