Floral scents in Pachira aquatica (Malvaceae): A species with diverse floral visitors in a Mexican lowland forests

Abstract

The chemical composition of the floral scent released by Pachira aquatica was analyzed in situ using standard dynamic headspace and Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectroscopy. A total of 34 compounds were found in the scent, 31 of which were identified and classified as terpenoids, benzenoids, fatty acid derivatives or nitrogen containing compounds. The predominant compounds emitted are trans-β-ocimene (51.74 %), (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate (7.96 %), one of the unknown compounds (7.44 %), pentyl butanoate (7.02 %), trans-caryophyllene (4.49 %), methyl salicylate (3.49 %) and methyl benzoate (2.26 %).