Styrax Benzoin Research Articles

The life cycle and natural history of the tropical aphidCerataphis fransseni(Homoptera: Aphididae: Hormaphidinae), with reference to the evolution of host alternation in aphids

We describe the life cycle and general biology of the tropical cerataphidine aphid Cerataphis fransseni. We demonstrate that this aphid migrates between trees of Styrax benzoin and various species of palms; palm-feeding populations have previously been known as C. variabilis and C. palmae, which now become synonyms of C. fransseni. On S. benzoin the fundatrix induces a relatively simple gall which can contain >6000 aphids at maturity with a large number of reproductively sterile soldiers that protect the gall from predators. These galls are apparently produced throughout the year. Colonies on the secondary host plants, palms, are apparently obligately tended by ants whereas colonies within galls on Styrax are never tended by ants. We discuss the life cycle of this tropical aphid with respect to hypotheses for the evolution and maintenance of host alternation.

Derivatives of unsaturated aromatic alcohols in propolis and styrax benzoin

The benzoate of trans-coniferyl alcohol and the benzoate of trans-p-coumaryl alcohol have been obtained from propolis and the styrax benzoin, this being the first time that the latter has been described.

X-Ray Diffraction Study of Some Fossil and Modern Resins

Samples of both fossil and modern resins have been investigated by x-ray diffraction techniques. Most fossil resins (ambers) yield only diffuse x-ray diffraction patterns, though some (settlingite, Highgate copalite, and guayaquillite) have relatively sharp patterns. Many modern resins, including those from species of Pinus and other conifers such as Picea and Abies, and many of those from Protium and Bursera, and Styrax benzoin, give sharp and distinctive patterns. Some crystalline constituents of the resins which yield the x-ray diffraction patterns have been identified. The similarity between the Protium and Bursera patterns and those of Highgate copalite and guayaquillite may indicate a possible genetic relationship between these modern and fossil resins.