Post-secretory synthesis of a natural analog of iron-gall ink in the black nectar of Melianthus spp.
E. T. Magner, R. Roy, K. F. Saxhaug, A. Zambre, K. Bruns, E. C. Snell-Rood, M. Hampton, A. D. Hegeman, C. Carter
The paper identifies ellagic acid and iron as the black pigment in Melianthus nectar, showing post-secretory synthesis from gallic acid via peroxidase and iron(III).
bioRxiv · Dec 20, 2022 · PreprintPlant Biology