Soluble pigments from the roots of the Amazonian water-hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes SOLMS

The roots of the amazonian water weed Eichhornia crassipes exhibit a characteristic feature normally not common amongst higher plants: especially the walls of the epidermic, hypodermic and endodermic layer contain red, blue and violet pigments whereas other parts of the roots like the peripheric cortex, the aerenchyma, and the central cylinder are less colored. Part oft he pigments proved to be anthocyanins. The possible function of the deposition of these pigments is discussed (protective agents against potential pathogens or predators attack). [in German