Abstract
The GC/MS analysis of the volatile components present in diethyl ether extracts of 15 Marchantiophyta species collected in Borneo island indicated that each liverwort species, produce own characteristic compounds. Most of the studied species elaborate a large quantity of sesquiterpenoids whereas only a few synthesize monoterpenoids, diterpenoids and aromatic compounds. Sesquiterpenoids, such as herbertanes, gymnomitranes, chiloscyphanes as well as eudesmane, germacrane and guaiane sesquiterpene lactones, can be used as chemosystematics markers. Aromatic compounds like methyl benzoates with prenyl ether group are characteristic of Trichocolea pluma. Diterpenoids belonging to labdane-, clerodane- and fusicoccane-types are chemical markers of Pleurozia gigantea, while cembranes are characteristic for Chandonanthus hirtellus and rearranged 7,8-secolabdane-type diterpenoids for Pallavicinia species. Monoterpenoids, responsible for characteristic fragrance, occur mainly in thalloid liverworts belonging to the order Marchantiales, here represented by Wiesnerella denudata and Dumortiera hirsuta.