Abstract
The flavonol quercetagetin has been identified as a yellow flower pigment in species of Coronilla, Lotus, Papaver, Primula and Rhododendron; it has been isolated as the 3-galactoside, 3-gentiotrioside or 7-glucoside. It is accompanied in Lotus corniculatus by its 7-methyl ether. A flavonol tentatively identified as the related 6-hydroxykaempferol has been found in Mimulus luteus. Quercetagetin is accompanied in Papaver nudicaule by nudicaulin, a water-soluble yellow pigment earlier considered to be a flavylium salt; spectral studies now indicate that this is unlikely. Syringetin and isorhamnetin have been found as yellow flower pigments in Lathyrus pratensis. While the above compounds, unlike the common flavonols, undoubtedly contribute to yellow flower colour, they accompany yellow carotenoids in many of the plants that have been examined. During the present survey, a water-soluble carotenoid has been found in the petals of only one plant, Nemesia strumosa. This pigment was readily distinguished by spectral means from the yellow flavonols and was identified as crocein.
Published Version
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