Anthocyanin composition of and distribution in the Poaceae (Gramineae)

Abstract

Delphinidin 3, 5-diglucoside was identified in Nardus stricta and peonidin 3-arabinoside in Phalaris arundinacea. Cyanidin 3-glucoside was found in all of 21 other grasses examined; it was accompanied by the 3-arabinoside in seven species. It is concluded that anthocyanin pigmentation has no general taxonomic importance in the family but that this is the result to be expected in a wind-pollinated plant group.