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On insect attractants from pitcher plants of the genusHeliamphora (sarraceniaceae)
1Dpto. de Biología de Organismos, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Apartado 89000, 1080, Caracas, Venezuela.
Abstract:
Examination ofHeliamphora heterodoxa andH. tatei from the Guayana Highlands of Venezuela reveals that the enol diacetal monoterpene, sarracenin, is the major volatile compound present in the spoon-shaped structures of leaves of the pitchers. In addition, erucamide, phenol, cinerone, phenylacetaldehyde, and a series of methyl esters also occur in extracts of the spoon-shaped appendages of pitchers at the time during which they attract insects.
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