Chemotaxonomic significance of n-alkane distributions from leaf wax in genus of Sinojackia species (Styracaceae)

• Published in: Biochemical systematics and ecology 2013-08, Vol.49, p.30-36
• Main Authors: Li, Jingjing, Huang, Junhua, Ge, Jiwen, Huang, Xianyu, Xie, Shucheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: alkanes; botanical gardens; Chemotaxonomy; cluster analysis; developmental stages; leaves; n-Alkanes; Sinojackia; Sinojackia dolichocarpa; Styracaceae; waxes
• ISSN: 0305-1978; 1873-2925
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bse.2013.02.001

Sinojackia is a Chinese endemic genus of Styracaceae, containing eight species. The taxonomy of one species, Sinojackia dolichocarpa (≡Changiostyrax dolichocarpa), is controversial. Here we investigate the distribution of leaf wax n-alkanes to clarify the chemotaxonomic position of S. dolichocarpa. Leaf samples of six Sinojackia species from Wuhan Botanical Garden in central China were collected during April, July, and December in 2010 to capture different developmental stages of the epicuticular waxes. Our results show that the waxes of S. dolichocarpa differ from the other five species by having a lower abundance of nC31 but a higher abundance of nC33. Although developmental variations of n-alkane distributions were observed during the sampling periods, cluster analysis based on the percentages of n-alkanes from C27 to C33 separates S. dolichocarpa from the other Sinojackia species. Based on these finding, we suggest S. dolichocarpa is a species independent of the Sinojackia genus. ► Leaf samples of six Sinojackia species were collected in three months (April, July and December) in 2010. ► Temporal and inter-species variations of n-alkane distributions were observed during sampling periods. ► The results suggested that significant differentiation occurred among the genus. ► n-alkane distributions provide evidence to support that Sinojackia dolichocarpa is a species independent of the Sinojackia genus.