Identification of previously unreported pigments among carotenoids and anthocyanins in floral petals of Delonix regia (Hook.) Raf.

► Delonix regia flowers contain a rare mixture of anthocyanins and carotenoids. ► One ketocarotenoid and two anthocyanins unreported are characterized by HPLC-LC-MS/MS. ► Astaxanthin found in D. regia is very rare among higher plants. ► Petals are rich in biologically active β-carotene and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside.