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Title: Post‐secretory synthesis of a natural analog of iron‐gall ink in the black nectar of Melianthus spp.
Summary

The black nectar produced byMelianthusflowers is thought to serve as a visual attractant to bird pollinators, but the chemical identity and synthesis of the black pigment are unknown.

A combination of analytical biochemistry, transcriptomics, proteomics, and enzyme assays was used to identify the pigment that givesMelianthusnectar its black color and how it is synthesized. Visual modeling of pollinators was also used to infer a potential function of the black coloration.

High concentrations of ellagic acid and iron give the nectar its dark black color, which can be recapitulated through synthetic solutions containing only ellagic acid and iron(iii). The nectar also contains a peroxidase that oxidizes gallic acid to form ellagic acid.In vitroreactions containing the nectar peroxidase, gallic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and iron(iii) fully recreate the black color of the nectar. Visual modeling indicates that the black color is highly conspicuous to avian pollinators within the context of the flower.

Melianthusnectar contains a natural analog of iron‐gall ink, which humans have used since at least medieval times. This pigment is derived from an ellagic acid‐Fe complex synthesized in the nectar and is likely involved in the attraction of passerine pollinators endemic to southern Africa.

 
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Award ID(s):
2025297
NSF-PAR ID:
10404348
Author(s) / Creator(s):
 ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  
Publisher / Repository:
Wiley-Blackwell
Date Published:
Journal Name:
New Phytologist
Volume:
239
Issue:
5
ISSN:
0028-646X
Page Range / eLocation ID:
p. 2026-2040
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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