Cuticular n-alkane in leaves of seven Neotropical species of the family Lecythidaceae: a contribution to chemotaxonomy

• Published in: Acta Botânica Brasílica 2017-01, Vol.31 (1), p.137-140
• Main Authors: Silva, Rejane Maria da, Ribeiro, Rayane de Tasso Moreira, Souza, Renata Janaína Carvalho de, Oliveira, Antônio Fernando Morais de, Silva, Suzene Izídio da, Gallão, Maria Izabel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Lecythidaceae; Neotropics; taxonomy; tropical rain forest; wax
• ISSN: 0102-3306; 1677-941X; 1677-941X
• DOI: 10.1590/0102-33062016abb0387

ABSTRACT Biosynthesized from very long-chain fatty acid wax precursors, n-alkanes make a valuable contribution to the taxonomy of plants. The alkane components of foliar epicuticles of seven Neotropical species of Lecythidaceae were investigated: Bertholletia excelsa, Cariniana legalis, Couroupita guianensis, Eschweilera alvimii, Eschweilera ovata, Gustavia augusta and Lecythis pisonis. Specimens were collected in the metropolitan area of Recife, Pernambuco, and their n-alkane fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography. The chemical relationships among the species were then evaluated using cophenetic correlation and UPGMA. Among the seven species, a total of 15 n-alkanes, with 21-35 carbon atoms, were identified and formed a consistent group of B. excelsa, C. guianensis, E. ovata, G. augusta, and L. pisonis with n-C31. The greatest similarities were found between B. excelsa and L. pisonis, and between C. guianensis and G. augusta. Nevertheless, a phenetic analysis based on a larger number of species is needed to better understand the chemotaxonomic value of epicuticular n-alkanes within the Lecythidaceae.