FLORAL SCENT AND INTRAFLORAL SCENT DIFFERENTIATION IN MONESES AND PYROLA (PYROLACEAE)

Floral scent was collected by headspace methods from intact flowers, petals, and stamens of four species of Pyrolaceae. The scent samples were analyzed by coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The floral scent in Pyrola spp. is differentiated into a characteristic petal scent - phenyl propanoids and a characteristic stamen scent - methoxy benzenes. In Moneses the scent is characterized by isoprenoids and benzenoids, with a larger proportion of benzenoids in the stamens compared to the petals. Specific anther scents may promote foraging efficiency in buzz-pollinated species and enhance flower fidelity. Variation in floral scent composition is consistent with the taxonomic relationships among the genera and species examined.