An analysis of volatile components of the liverworts dumortiera hirsuta subsp. hirsuta and Dumortiera hirsuta subsp. nepalensis (Dumortieraceae) from Panama and taxonomic observations on the species

Abstract

We report for the first time the chemical composition of volatile components (VOCs) of two subspecies, D. hirsuta subsp. hirsuta and D. hirsuta subsp. nepalensis, of the liverwort Dumortiera hirsuta from Panama by using headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in order to assess distinguishing markers between the two species. Forty VOCs were identified in total for both subspecies. Of these, 34 are reported for the first time in D. hirsuta. Furthermore, both subspecies showed clear differences in the type and amount of VOCs. The major compounds in D. hirsuta subsp. hirsuta were α-gurjunene, β-selinene, α-guaiene, α-humulene and β-caryophyllene; while in D. hirsuta subsp. nepalensis were ledene, α-gurjunene, β-caryophyllene and α-guaiene, respectively. Two oxygenated sesquiterpenes, globulol and nerolidol, could be considered as possible distinguishing chemical markers between these two subspecies. We conclude that both morphotypes of D. hirsuta are chemically different.