Cuphea

Cuphea is a genus of plants belonging to the family Lythraceae which is being developed as an oilseed crop. Seeds of many species, for example Cuphea lanceolata and C. viscosissima, contain oils rich in medium chain saturated fatty acids. Such species are a potential source of these fatty acids, which have beneficial health and nutrition effects in humans and are valuable for confectionery fats and specialty ingredients, offering a temperate-climate alternative to coconut and palm kernel oils. Breeders continue selecting for higher yield and easier harvest.