Family

Sapindaceae

Genus

Xanthoceras

Common Name

yellow horn

Plant Figure

Description

Xanthoceras sorbifolia, commonly known as yellow horn, is a member of the Sapindaceae family and originates in China. It is a woody deciduous shrub or small tree with a lifespan of more than 200 years. Yellow horn is considered an important bioenergy feedstock plant because of the significant concentration of oil in the seed kernel (> 60%), and it may become an energy-sustainable substitute for petroleum. Furthermore, the oil contains unsaturated fatty acids up to 90.9% of the total fatty acids, which have potential health benefits.