Limited distribution of natural cyanamide in higher plants: Occurrence in Vicia villosa subsp. varia, V. cracca, and Robinia pseudo-acacia

Cyanamide has recently been proven to be a natural product. We have investigated 553 species of higher plants to date but have so far found the ability to biosynthesize cyanamide in only three species, Vicia villosa subsp. varia, V. cracca and Robinia pseudo-acacia, suggesting its limited distribution in higher plants.