"c. abyssinica" is cultivated for a wide range of industrial purposes. the interest lies mainly in the high erucic acid content (55-60%) of its seed oil and makes the crop a competitive option to other oil plants as industrial rapeseed. the composition of crambe oil gives this product several special traits, such as high smoke point, good wettability of different materials and high viscosity. in addition, its oil has a higher biodegradability than mineral oils. therefore, erucic acid derived compounds are used as additives in the plastic industry, high temperature hydraulic fluids, waxes, base for paints and coatings, lubricants and many other products. furthermore, the extracted seed oil is used in pharmaceutical products and cosmetics.