Characterization of the lipids of some orchids

Abstract

The lipids from leaves, spikes, pseudobulbs and roots from hybrid Phalaenopsis, Cattleya and Cymbidium have been characterized. The fatty acids from total lipid extracts revealed the presence of significant proportions of odd chain saturated acids ranging from C15 to C23 in all three genera. Leaf hydrocarbons of Phalaenopsis had high proportions of 31 and 33 carbon normal paraffins, whereas the major hydrocarbons from roots were 25, 27, 29 and 31 carbon normal paraffins. Steroid esters from Phalaenopsis contained principally long chain saturated acids. Analysis of phospholipids, fatty acids, triglycerides and steroid esters from Phalaenopsis revealed the presence of more than 30% saturated acids in each class. Leaf cuticle from Phalaenopsis was degraded and found to contain steroid residues, aromatic residues and principally saturated fatty acids ranging from C13 to C26. © 1971.