Title: Chemistry and Morphology of Epicuticular Waxes from Leaves of Five Euphorbia Species
Abstract: The surface waxes of five Euphorbia species (Euphorbiaceae) were studied by chemical methods and by scanning electron microscopy. The yields of epicuticular waxes, expressed as percentages of the dry weights, differed from species to species. Qualitatively the five species showed the same wax composition but differences appeared in the amounts of single wax components and in their distribution patterns. The predominance of mainly saturated and long chained components as well as the high amounts of primary alcohols and triterpenols resulted in crystalline wax layers. The comparable chemical wax com position of all five species resulted in a quite similar morphological appearance of wax crystals.