FLAVONOID PATTERNS OF RESTIONACEAE . GOSSYPETIN IN RESTIO AND A NEW FLAVONE IN HYPOLAENA

A survey of nine species of six genera of the Restionaceae revealed the presence of the yellow flavonol gossypetin in stem or inflorescence of three Restio species and of Calorophus lateriflorus and of a new flavone of related structure in Hypolaena fastigiata. These represent the first records in the monocotyledons of flavonols and flavones with extra 8-hydroxyl substituents. The new flavone, hypolaetin, was identified as 5,7,8,3′,4′-pentahydroxyflavone and, on acid treatment, it isomerized to the known 5,6,7,3′,4′-isomer, 6-hydroxyluteolin. Cyanidin 3-glucoside was detected in stems and shoots of two Restio species and leucocyanidin in all three Restio species examined. The results of the survey are discussed in relation to the known flavonoid patterns in the Cyperaceae, Poaceae, and Eriocaulaceae. © 1970.