Volatile components ofPhalaenopsis schilleriana Rehb. f.

Phalaenopsis schilleriana Rehb. f. (Orchidaceae) has a uniquely shaped flower like a butterfly and an odour reminiscent of roses. We analysed the volatile components of Phalaenopsis schilleriana Rehb. f. flowers by a headspace method resulting in the identification of 27 substances. The scent of P. veichiana, a hybrid of P. schilleriana, was also analysed and compared with the scent of P. schilleriana. Finally, we studied the time-dependence of the amount of scent emitted during a 24-hour cycle and during the entire blooming period. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.