Flavan-3-ols in Trichomes, Pistils and Phelloderm of Some Tree Species

Tissues from nine tree species were examined histochemicallyfor the presence of flavan-3-ols including the catechins. Itwas possible to stain these phenolics selectively with p-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde(DMACA) and to show that they were located in trichomes, pistilsand shoot phelloderm. The staining intensity of the tissueswas categorized into four groups. The flavan-3-ols were extractedfrom three tree species and the diverse components were distinguishedusing a combination of HPLC and chemical reaction detection(CRD). Twelve flavan-3-ols were isolated from pistils of Tiliagrandifolia and 32 from leaves of Acer platanoides. The hairsof the leaves of dormant buds from Aesculus hippocastanum yielded13 components. Epicatechin and ( + )-catechin were present inall three species. Trees, trichomes, pistils, phelloderm, histochemistry, HPLC, CRD