The Geography of Phytochemical Races

7.6 Krameria (Krameriaceae) 291
(see Fig. 7.3 for structures), the two benzofurans [596 and 597], and the unique
dimeric compound [598]. In a subsequent publication (Proksch et al., 1988) dealing
with leaf exudate fl avonoids, these workers found marked differences between
a sample of E. canescens and 11 other species from which fl avonoids were isolated.
The South American specimen yielded the two fl avanones [599 and 600], but none
of the fl avone or fl avonol derivatives was exhibited by most of the other species.
7.5 Eschscholzia californica (Papaveraceae)
Eschscholzia californica Cham., the California poppy (and state fl ower), is one
of the most noticeable elements of the Californian spring fl owers, often covering
entire fi elds in near monoculture. A detailed study of the taxon’s genetics, patterns
of variation, and adaptive strategies was published by Cook (1962). Among
his observations on genetic systems is the basis of fl ower color. The majority of
California populations have uniformly orange petals lacking yellow margins, a condition
characteristic of the JJ genotype. By contrast, this condition has not been
observed in any Chilean populations. Yellow petals with distinct orange spots at
the base result when this locus is jj. Populations with this apparent genotype have
been found along the central Californian coast near Morro Bay and farther north,
and in Oregon by Cook (1962), and by Stebbins (in Friás L. et al., 1975), as well
as in coastal areas of Chile. It was surmised that a high frequency of the J allele is
characteristic of populations living in hot, dry interior areas, and that the recessive
allele is more likely to be found in cooler, more moist habitats, such as those along
the coast. The genetic situation in Chile contrasts sharply with that in California,
in that the JJ genotype is much more likely to be found in cooler areas, whereas
the frequency of the j allele is signifi cantly higher in populations inhabiting hot,
arid habitats. Friás L. et al., (1975) suggested that this situation might have been
brought about by signifi cant recombinations resulting in the jj genotype becoming
linked with the genes responsible for survival in the hot, dry interior of the country.
Anecdotal tales of introductions of the California poppy into Chile include its use
to stabilize railroad rights of way [a 1907 newspaper account cited by Friás L. et al.
(1975)], although those authors also imply that the introduction might have been
earlier, possibly as early as 1895. A white-fl owered form is also known and is likely
to have been introduced via horticultural activities.
7.6 Krameria (Krameriaceae)
Krameria L. consists of 15 (Mabberley, 1997, p. 383) or about 17 species (Simpson et al.,
1979), with a disjunct distribution between central United States (Kansas) and northern
Argentina to Chile. Two reports of lipids from fl ower glands of several species representing
both regions have been published, the North American members by Seigler et al.