Individual variation of flavonoid glycosides in Chaerophyllum aureum

Abstract The results of a survey of flavonoid in individuals of Chaerophyllum aureum from the Ubaye valley (Southern Alps, France) corroborates the previously observed correlation of the chemical variation with the phytosociological origin of specimens. Luteolin-7-O-diglucoside is present in specimens from tall grass prairies (Adenostylion) and absent in those from meadows (Triseto-Polygonion). Analyses of individuals from the same station and grown under fully controlled conditions show that their flavonoid pattern is stable and not affected by external factors. Chemical variation is thus dependent on genetical parameters. The degree of ecological homogeneity of certain areas—evaluated by means of IR aerial detection—shows that the flavonoid heterogeneity of individuals of Triseto-Polygonion is a result of a selective process of the different genotypes, operated by (intra-)stational parameters. Finally, according to the area surveyed, the genotypes selected in a given type of community—or ecological unit—appear to be different.