The Systematic Distribution of Ferulic Acid-Sucrose Esters in Anthers of the Liliaceae¹

Abstract

In an anther survey of 157 di- and monocotyledons, two very rare cinnamic acid conjugates-di- and triferuloylsucrose-were found to occur exclusively in the Liliales and most predominantly in the Liliaceae (Tulipeae, Lilieae, Lloydieae). Whereas the triferuloyl ester was found to be abundant in most of the 20 species and cultivars of Tulipa investigated, only the diferuloyl ester could be detected by the applied methods in Fritillaria and Lilium, in 12 and 9 species and cultivars, respectively. Di- and/or triferuloylsucrose could also be detected in one Gagea and three Erythronium species. Three out of 20 Iris species investigated, also show the occurrence of these rare esters. This sporadic appearance in Iris is, at present, considered to be erratic. We suggest that the ferulic acid-sucrose esters might be useful as marker substances for the Liliaceae.