External flavonoid aglycones of Viguiera series Viguiera (asteraceae: heliantheae)

Distribution of external flavonoid aglycones supports other data to suggest that Viguiera series Viguiera (series Dentatae Blake) is a mixed taxonomic grouping. Two species, V. dentata and V. potosina, lack external flavonoid aglycones, whereas the remaining species of the series all produce external flavonoid aglycones and appear to form a natural taxonomic group. The latter group, which consists of species from Baja California and nearby xeric areas, exhibits a diversity of flavonoid types, with different diploid species variously producing flavonols, simple flavones, 6-methoxyflavones, 6-hydroxy,7-methoxyflavones and a chalkone as major compounds. Polyploid species exhibit combinations of flavonoid types from possible diploid ancestors. Compounds of the 6-hydroxy,7-methoxyflavone type appear to characterize the group of species from Baja California and nearby areas within Viguiera.