Encyclia cordigera is native from Central America tropical region, and Encyclia randii occurs at Brazilian Amazon environment domains. Floral concentrates from both Encyclia species were extracted, analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and identified compounds belong to terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, and fatty acid derivatives classes. Primary constituents of the E. cordigera floral scent were β-ionol (45.4%), terpinen-4-ol (12.4%), benzyl benzoate (5.6%), and indole (5.0%). (2E,6Z)-Farnesol (24.9%), heptanal (11.8%), (E)-nerolidol (9.4%), nonanal (6.4%), p-vinyl-guaiacol (6.0%), and phenylethyl benzoate (5.3%) have predominated in the floral scent of E. randii. From the olfactory standpoint, E. cordigera scent was previously characterized as a blend of ionone-floral and aromatic-floral notes. Very likely, E. randii scent presents the woody fragrance due to sesquiterpenes (2E,6Z)-farnesol and (E)-nerolidol and the fruity note from the aldehydes heptanal and nonanal. Floral perfume plays a fundamental role in attracting pollinating insects, whose symbiosis contributes to the appearance of chemical variations in orchid species.
Keywords:
Orchidaceae; floral scents; β-ionol; (2E,6Z)-farnesol; volatile concentrates