[Studies on the carotenoids in petals of Oenothera : I. Qualitative and quantitative determinations in standard yellow, sulfurea and vetaurea flowers].

1. The carotenoids in the flowers of three color types of Oenothera: yellow, sulfur and old-gold (vetaurea) were investigated, the latter for the first time. - 2. In yellow and sulfur we found eight carotenoids and β-carotene, in old-gold eight carotenoids and four carotenes. The three additional carotenes of old-gold are: ζ-carotene, lycopene and traces of γ-carotene. - 3. The characteristic carotenoids of Oenothera are 5,6-diepoxy-β-carotene and lutein-5,6-eposcide. - 4. The reddish-yellow color of old-goldis due to the large amount of lycopene. - 5. The first unequivocal evidence for presence of chrysanthe maxanthin in Oenothera was obtained.