Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta, Bangalore 560 089
The quantitative distribution of anthocyanins, leucoanthocyanins, flavonol and carotenoids in 15 Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cultivars grouped into red, orange/orange yellow and yellow/yellow orange based on the petal colour was studied. Petal-colour variations observed are ascribed to the actual differences in the concentration of the floral pigments. Paper chromatographic study of isolated anthocyanins indicated differences in the number of anthocyanin bands and their concentrations among the H. rosa-sinensis cultivars. Red group of varieties had more number of anthocyanin bands compared with fewer number of bands observed in yellow/yellow orange group.
