Leaf flavonoids as systematic characters in the genera Lavandula and Sabaudia.
A comprehensive survey of the leaf flavonoids of the genus Lavandula and the related Sabaudia group was carried out using two-dimensional paper chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. The flavonoid patterns obtained were found to be systematically informative at the infrageneric level. Three main groupings were identified: the first containing sections Lavandula, Dentata and Stoechas characterised by the accumulation of flavone 7-glycosides; the second containing sections Pterostoechas, Subnuda and Chaetostachys characterised by the accumulation of 8-hydroxylated flavone 7-and 8-glycosides; the third encompassing the Sabaudia group and accumulating both flavone and 8-hydroxylated flavone 7- glycosides. Such a grouping of taxa is congruent with data from other disciplines, although it is not recognised in any present classifications. The taxonomic and evolutionary implications of the flavonoid data are discussed.
Upson
TM
Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AB, Surrey, UK
J Grayer R
Greenham
JR
A Williams C
Al-Ghamdi
F
Chen
F