Lesquerella

Lesquerella is a genus of flowering plants in the family Brassicaceae. It is native to North America, particularly the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The genus is named after Leo Lesquereux, a Swiss-American botanist who specialized in the study of mosses.

Description

Lesquerella plants are typically small, herbaceous perennials or annuals. They have simple, alternate leaves and yellow flowers. The fruit is a capsule, which contains several small, oily seeds. The oil from these seeds has potential industrial uses, particularly in the production of lubricants and biofuels.

Species

There are approximately 90 species in the genus Lesquerella. Some of the more well-known species include Lesquerella fendleri (Fendler's bladderpod), Lesquerella gordonii (Gordon's bladderpod), and Lesquerella lindheimeri (Lindheimer's bladderpod).

Cultivation and uses

Lesquerella plants are not typically grown for ornamental purposes, due to their small size and nondescript flowers. However, they are of interest for their potential industrial uses. The seeds of Lesquerella plants contain a high percentage of hydroxy fatty acids, which can be used in the production of lubricants, plastics, and biofuels. Research is ongoing into the potential of Lesquerella as a commercial crop.

Conservation

Many species of Lesquerella are threatened by habitat loss and degradation. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting existing populations and restoring degraded habitats.

See also

• Brassicaceae
• Hydroxy fatty acids
• Biofuel