Z-limonene oxide

Several species of orchids are pollinated by euglossine bees (Dodson et al., 1969 Hills, 1989 Williams and Whitten, 1983). In one example, pollination appears to involve a relatively simple monoterpene. The essential oil complement of Stanhopea pulla, which consisted mostly of -limo-nene oxide (78) (Fig. 19.17), 1,8-cineole (10), and an unidentified monoterpene, varies both quantitatively and qualitatively depending on the time of day. Maximum fragrance production occurs early in the morning. The euglossine bee involved responds to -limonene oxide (78) in mixtures of E- and Z-limonene oxide (Fig. 19.17) (Hills, 1989). 

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