Chemotaxonomic significance of n-alkane distributions from leaf wax in genus of Sinojackia species (Styracaceae)

► Leaf samples of six Sinojackia species were collected in three months (April, July and December) in 2010. ► Temporal and inter-species variations of n-alkane distributions were observed during sampling periods. ► The results suggested that significant differentiation occurred among the genus. ► n-alkane distributions provide evidence to support that Sinojackia dolichocarpa is a species independent of the Sinojackia genus.