Great globe thistle fruit (Echinops sphaerocephalus L.), a potential new oil crop

New plant oil crops are desirable as renewable resources for energy, for food purposes, and as building blocks in chemical synthesis. Fruit oil of Echinops sphaerocephalus was characterized by a high content of linoleic acid (over 70% of total fatty acids) and by a high tocopherol content (530-970 mg/kg oil). The majority was α-tocopherol. Echinops sphaerocephalus plants may be cultivated in agricultural dimensions, and fruits may be obtained by a combine harvester. Echinops quinoline alkaloids present a useful by-product of the oil production.