Composition of essential oils from seven New Zealand species of Metrosideros (Myrtaceae)

The, yield, composition and fragrance of the essential oils of seven Metros ideros species, which are endemic to New Zealand, were examined by GC-MS. T heir composition clearly divided the species into two groups. Group I oils, (M. carminea, Al. perforata, Al. robusta and Al. umbellata) contained abun dant levels of monoterpenes (28-58%), while group II oils (M. diffusa, M. e xcelsa and Al. fulgens) did not (0-2%). All species contained a large numbe r of sesquiterpenes. The composition of the oil of each species had charact eristic elements. The oil yields were low and their fragrances had no outst anding features.