Epicuticular waxes and flavonol aglycones of the European mistletoe, Viscum album L.

Cuticular waxes of Viscum album ssp. album contain oleanolic acid as main c onstituent, accompanied by aliphatic compounds like alkanes, esters and pri mary alcohols. A number of flavonol aglycones (methyl ethers of quercetin a nd kaempferol) have also been identified. Seasonal changes in amount and co mposition of cuticular waxes and the presence of flavonol aglycones are des cribed and the ecophysiological significance of flavonoids on the surface o f the mistletoe is briefly discussed.