Unique proline-benzoquinone pigment from the colored nectar of "bird's Coca cola tree" functions in bird attractions

Org Lett. 2012 Aug 17;14(16):4146-9. doi: 10.1021/ol3017879. Epub 2012 Aug 2.

Abstract

The major pigment responsible for the dark brown nectar of the "bird's Coca cola tree", Leucosceptrum canum (Labiatae), was isolated and identified as a unique symmetric proline-quinone conjugate, 2,5-di-(N-(-)-prolyl)-para-benzoquinone (DPBQ). Behavioral experiments with both isolated and synthetic authentic samples indicated that DPBQ functions mainly as a color attractant to bird pollinators.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Benzoquinones / chemical synthesis
  • Benzoquinones / chemistry*
  • Birds*
  • Lamiaceae / chemistry
  • Pigments, Biological* / chemistry
  • Plant Nectar / chemistry*
  • Pollination
  • Proline / analogs & derivatives*
  • Proline / chemical synthesis
  • Proline / chemistry

Substances

  • 2,5-di-(N-prolyl)-para-benzoquinone
  • Benzoquinones
  • Pigments, Biological
  • Plant Nectar
  • Proline