2022
DOI: 10.1101/2022.12.20.521234
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Post-secretory synthesis of a natural analog of iron-gall ink in the black nectar ofMelianthusspp.

Abstract: The black nectar ofMelianthusflowers is thought to serve as a visual attractant to pollinators, but the chemical identity and biosynthesis of the black pigment are unknown. Here we report that the black nectar contains a natural analog of iron-gall ink, which humans have used since medieval times. Specifically, dark black nectar at anthesis contains high levels of ellagic acid and iron; synthetic solutions of ellagic acid and iron(III) recapitulate the black color of the nectar. Conversely, lightly colored nec… Show more

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