A comparative study of Scalesia species (Asteraceae) by gas chromatographic analysis of the monoterpene hydrocarbons of their essential oils.
ADSERSEN, A. & SVENDSEN, A. B., 1986. A comparative study of Scalesia species (Asteraceae) by gas chromatographic analysis of the monoterpene hydrocarbons of their essential oils. The monoterpene hydrocarbons of the essential oils of 13 species of Scalesia, Asteraceae, endemic to the Galapagos Islands, were analysed by gas chromatography to determine whether the composition of these compounds could show any characteristics for the various species. Marked differences in the monoterpene hydrocarbon patterns of the Scalesia species investigated were observed. Whereas a-pinene was usually found in amounts of 30–50%, Scalesia villosa contained only 12%. Sabinene usually occurred in amounts of 10-1.5%, but S. divisa and S. affinis contained about twice as much. The limonene content was usually less than 1%, but S. microcephala, S. baurii and S. affinis contained amounts varying from about 2% to 9.5%.