FLAVONOID CHEMISTRY OF POLYGONUM SECT TOVARA (POLYGONACEAE) - A SYSTEMATIC SURVEY

Polygonum sect. Tovara includes three controversial species; P. virgin ianum, P. filiforme, and P. neofiliforme. The flavonoid chemistry of t hese was examined to provide additional information on their delimitat ion and levels of differentiation. Eight flavonoid compounds were isol ated and identified, all of which were 3-O-glycosides of the flavonols kaempferol, quercetin, and myricetin, and their acylated derivatives. Although they exhibit relatively simple flavonoid profiles, the three taxa are readily distinguished by their flavonoid constituents. In ad dition, they show fundamental differences in flavonol types and glycos ylation patterns. These results, in conjunction with evidence from the morphology, strongly suggest that P, virginianum, P. filiforme, and P . neofiliforme are closely allied but distinct species.