Corolla structure and fragrance components in Styrax tonkinensis

Abstract

The structure of petals and volatile compounds from fresh Styrax tonkinensis cut flowers were investigated by using micro-techniques and a headspace solid-phase micro-extraction technique coupled with GC–MS. Styrax tonkinensis is a fast-growing woody plant that is used for timber and as a medicinal plant. In the present study, the structures of the flower petals of S. tonkinensis were investigated and volatile compounds emitted from the petals were identified. Light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to describe petal structure. The volatile constituents were analyzed using a headspace GC–MS technique. Results indicated that glandular hairs and 8–9 layers of parenchyma cells in the cream-white petals play a key role in emitting the fragrance. An analysis of the volatile components emitted by the cut flowers of S. tonkinensis at two stages of flower development (prior to and at anthesis) indicated that monoterpenes, such as 1,3,6-octatriene, 3,7-dimethyl-(Z), and α-pinene, were the most abundant volatile components in all samples.