Betalains from Christmas cactus

The presence of 14 betalain pigments have been detected by their characteristic spectral properties in flower petals of Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi). Along with the known vulgaxanthin I, betalamic acid, betanin and phyllocactin (6'-O-malonylbetanin), the structure of a new phyllocactin-derived betacyanin was elucidated by various spectroscopic techniques and carbohydrate analyses as betanidin 5-O-(2'-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-6'-O-malonyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside. Among the more complex betacyanins occurring in trace amounts, the presence of a new diacylated betacyanin {betanidin 5-O-[(5 "-O-E-feruloyl)-2'-O-beta-D-apiofuranosy1-6'-O-malonyl)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside} has been ascertained. Furthermore, the accumulation of betalains during flower development and their pattern in different organs of the flower has been examined. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.