Biology ETDs

John G. Mexal

Publication Date

6-14-1971

Abstract

The classification of Ribes based on morphological characters is hampered by interspecific similarities. Nine species found in New Mexico were studied chemotaxonomically on the basis of flavonoid variability and content. A soxhlet extraction apparatus was used to extract the flavonoids. Methanolic extracts of both fresh and preserved leaves were studied using thin-layer chromatography. The results supported the current subgeneric breakdown of Ribes into Ribesia and Grossularia. Ribesia contains between two and four anthocyanins, while Grossularia contains no detectable anthocyanins. Evidence presented in this paper indicates that R. aureum Pursh (Ribesia) and R. inerme Rydb. (Grossularia) are misplaced subgenerically. Biochemically, at least, R. aureum should be placed in Grossularia and R. inerme in Ribesia. Chemotaxonomically, R. cereum Dougl. and R. inebrians Lindl. appear to be but one species. The same is true of R. aureum and R. odoratum Wendl.

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Biology

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

UNM Biology Department

First Committee Member (Chair)

William Clarence Martin

Second Committee Member

William Wayne Johnson

Third Committee Member

Gordon Verle Johnson

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