Abstract
Leaf pairs on Melaleuca linariifolia terpinen-4-ol type branches were examined for variation in volatile oil composition. GC of ethanolic extracts revealed flush growth rich in sabinene, trans and cis-sabinene hydrates. Sequential examination of apical to basal leaf pair extracts showed a dramatic decrease in thujane precursors and concomitant increase in p-menthane end products, γ-terpinene and terpinen-4-ol. Steam distillation of flush growth gave an oil rich only in the p-menthanes typical of commercial oil of Melaleuca, terpinen-4-ol type. When compared with M. alternifolia terpinen-4-ol type, M. linariifolia showed greater concentrations of trans-sabinene hydrate in the extract consistent with formation from geranyl pyrophosphate via (3 S)-linalyl pyrophosphate rather than (3 R)-linalyl pyrophosphate, the favoured substrate for marjoram. This, coupled with an inverse α-pinene/α-thujene ratio provides a facile chemical way of distinguishing between the two commercially important sources of oil of Melaleuca, terpinen-4-ol type. These interspecific chemical differences are further evidence that the two taxa should maintain individual species status.
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