Small plant, large potential in North Dakota- Have you had your Cuphea today?

A little-known plant that produces a pretty purple flower and tiny seeds could be the next big thing for North Dakota farmers and one of the world’s largest suppliers of soaps and detergents.

Technology Crops International, which opened an office in Fargo last week, soon will be recruiting North Dakota farmers to grow cuphea, which is being studied as another source for lauric acid, a key ingredient used in hundreds of products. Scientists also are exploring the possibility of using cuphea to make biodiesel.

Researchers from North Dakota State University, the Energy and Environmental Center at the University of North Dakota and others are studying the specialty crop, which recently has been harvested in test plots near Carrington.

Cuphea, (pronounced koo-FEE-ah), is being considered a potential source for lauric acid, which is used in soap, laundry detergent, shampoos and toothpaste, according to Brian McCormick, research and development material owner with Proctor & Gamble Chemicals.

McCormick, a chemist, said Proctor & Gamble has been doing research and development on cuphea for the past 20 years.

The two main sources for lauric acid used in products are from coconut and palm kernel oil. The oil from coconut and palm kernels has to be imported from other countries.

McCormick said the United States consumed about one-third of the world supply of lauric oil, about 1.5 million tons, worth $500 million, in 2004.

Bismarck Tribune
By TOM RAFFERTY

Full Story: http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2005/10/09/news/local/103472.txt

(Many thanks to Tom Rolfstad http://www.willistonnd.com for passing this along. Russ)