Orchids from Basilicata: The Scent

Abstract

HS-SPME-GC-MS analysis of the scent of some orchid species found in Basilicata (Southern Italy) has been performed. The analysis of Platanthera species showed the presence of two different behaviors. The samples from Basilicata showed the presence of lilac derivatives, while samples from Calabria or Abruzzo had as main component benzyl benzoate. The analysis of Cephalanthera orchids showed that, probably, scent does not have a relevant role on the pollination strategy of the plants in comparison to the role of color. The analysis of Serapias orchids showed the presence of alkanes and alkenes but with a lower molecular weight than those reported in previous works on these species. Furthermore, αamorphene was found as main component in Serapias cordigera and Serapias cordigera subsp. lucana. The analysis of Barlia robertiana showed a high variability in the composition of the scent.