Volatile composition of Gyrophragmium dunalii

Gyrophragium dunalii was investigated for volatile compounds by GC/MS. Thir ty volatile components were identified. The major volatile constituents of mushrooms from the Mediterranean basin and Atlantic Ocean sand dunes were b enzaldehyde (44.2 and 28.0%, respectively) and benzyl alcohol (11.0 and 38. 6%, respectively). The volatile component proportions correspond to 410 and 960 mug g(-1) of fresh weight from Mediterranean and Atlantic specimens, r espectively. Combined benzaldehyde and benzyl alcohol content may contribut e to the complex almond odor with an anise note of G. dunalii.