Flavonoid Chemistry of Cytotypes in Galax (Diapensiaceae)

Abstract

Although Galax urceolata typically has been considered one of the clearest examples of autopolyploidy in natural populations, there is a distinct paucity of detailed biosystematic data for the taxon. Flavonoid constituents of diploid, triploid, and tetraploid populations therefore were analyzed from throughout the range of G. urceolata. The taxon is characterized by a relatively simple array of kaempferol and quercetin aglycones and their 3-0-mono-, di-, and triglycosides. Several acylated derivatives of quercetin 3-0-glucoside also were detected, including a quercetin 3-0- glucoside gallate. Only very minor variation in flavonoid profile was detected among populations and no qualitative flavonoid differences were apparent between cytotypes. The high degree of homogeneity in flavonoid profile observed between diploid and tetraploid populations agrees with the hypothesis that the tetraploid cytotype is of autopolyploidal origin.