Zur Frage der chemischen Klassifizierung höherer Pflanzen

Abstract

In the order Contortae the individual families, subfamilies and smaller groups are characterized by their specificity of chemical synthesis. The Loganiaceae contain alkaloids (brucine, strychnine) and lead through meliatin to the Menyanthaceae. These are separated from the Gentianaceae by the constituent gentiopicrin in the latter. In the Apocynaceae the subgroups form alkaloids, steroidalkaloids and cardenolidglucosides distinct from one another. The Asclepiadaceae contain cardenolidglucosides and bitter principles (vincetoxin type) characteristic of their subfamilies.