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Fragrance analyses, an aid to taxonomic relationships of the genusCoryanthes (Orchidaceae)

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Abstract

All members of the investigated genusCoryanthes (subtribeStanhopeinae) are pollinated by male euglossine bees. The different fragrance profiles are the primary reproductive isolating mechanisms, because the flowers are interfertile. The fragrance patterns of 17 species ofCoryanthes were analyzed by gas chromatography as a means to improve the classification of this genus. A first amine (2-N-methylaminobenzaldehyde) was found to be the main fragrance compound of an as yet unclassifiedCoryanthes species.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Systematische Botanik und Pflanzengeographie, Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, D-6900, Heidelberg, Germany

    Günter Gerlach & Rainer Schill

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  1. Günter Gerlach
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  2. Rainer Schill
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Gerlach, G., Schill, R. Fragrance analyses, an aid to taxonomic relationships of the genusCoryanthes (Orchidaceae). Pl Syst Evol 168, 159–165 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00936096

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00936096

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