Chemotaxonomy of the Rubiaceae family based on leaf fatty acid composition

107 Rubiaceae leaves were analyzed for their fatty acid composition. One of the most interesting variables was all cis-Δ7,10,13-16:3 hexadecatrienoic acid. With the exception of Rubieae, Theligoneae, and some Anthospermeae which are typically 16:3-plants, other Rubiaceae appeared to be C18:3 plants.