Differences in the floral anthocyanin component of Lantana in Taiwan

Abstract

Lantana (Verbenaceae) has adapted to the natural environment of Taiwan, and is thought to be a naturalized weed. A total of 43 Lantana plants, comprising 1 species of 3 varieties (38 plants collected from 38 sites in Taiwan) and 5 horticultural plants, were collected in Taiwan. In order to study the relationship between wild species and horticultural plants, we used co-HPLC to examine each anthocyanin peak and the content ratio in mature flowers as biochemical characters, along with two morphological characters. As a result of HPLC analysis, five out of six anthocyanin peaks were detected in 42 Lantana plants. Pigments were identified as: 3-glucoside, 3,5-diglucoside, and 3-malonylglucoside of cyanidin, and 3,5-diglucoside and 3-malonylglucoside of peonidin. The anthocyanin ratios in each plant were different; they presented several significant ratios. Based on these results, we can distinguish wild from horticultural plants. The flower color of Lantana will become more diverse through crosses between wild and horticultural plants. JSHS © 2009.