Extractives elucidation of Taiwania cryptomerioides sapwood

Taiwania (Taiwania cryptomerioides Hayata) has long been regarded as a living fossil from the Tertiary period of Mesozoic Era for its distinguished yellowish-red color with purplish-pink streaks presented in its heartwood. With this elegant appearance that matches the color red for good fortune in the Taiwanese culture, Taiwania is supposed to be a popular wood in Taiwan where it is a native species of. Extractives contribute to the properties of wood. It is a fascinating subject to investigate extractives biosynthesis in the process of heartwood formation. Up to date, there is no phytochemistry study of Taiwania sapwood. In this study, three new sesquiterpenoids, Taiwania A (1), Taiwania B (2), and Taiwania C (3), together with 75 known compounds in the Taiwania sapwood. The structures of extractives were determined by analysis of spectroscopic data and comparison with the literatures. This study supported secondary reaction lignans could be found in sapwood that confirmed our previous research on the Taiwania-type of heartwood formation.

Automated summary

Taiwania cryptomerioides, a living fossil from the Mesozoic Tertiary period, is known for its distinguished yellowish-red heartwood color. This study identified three new sesquiterpenoids and confirmed the presence of lignans in the sapwood of Taiwania, supporting previous research on heartwood formation.