Hydrocarbon Distribution in Epicuticular Waxes of Five Euphorbia Species

Abstract

Abstract The distribution pattern of hydrocarbons in the surface waxes of five species of Euphor­ biaceae, E.caducifolia, E.helioscopia, E.milii, E.royleana and E.tirucalli was studied. In addi­tion to homologous series of n-alkanes, minor quantities of unsaturated and branched hy­drocarbons were also detected. Some of the branched chain hydrocarbons could be explained as having originated from isoprene units and the substituents corresponding to diterpenes and triterpenes.