Diverse -methyltransferases catalyze the biosynthesis of floral benzenoids that repel aphids from the flowers of waterlily .

is a key genus of the ANA grade (Amborellales, Nymphaeales, and Austrobaileyales) of basal flowering plants, which serve as a key model to study the early evolution of floral traits. In this study, we comprehensively investigated the emission, biosynthesis, and biological function of the floral scent in a night-blossoming waterlily . The headspace volatile collection combined with GC-MS analysis showed that the floral scent of is predominately comprised by methylated benzenoids including anisole, veratrole, guaiacol, and methoxyanisole.

Biosynthesis and emission of methyl hexanoate, the major constituent of floral scent of a night-blooming water lily Victoriacruziana.

Among the factors that have made flowering plants the most species-rich lineage of land plants is the interaction between flower and insect pollinators, for which floral scent plays a pivotal role. Water lilies belong to the ANA (Amborellales, Nymphaeales, and Austrobaileyales) grade of basal flowering plants. In this study, Victoria cruziana was investigated as a model night-blooming water lily for floral scent biosynthesis.

Molecular breeding of water lily: engineering cold stress tolerance into tropical water lily.

Water lilies (order Nymphaeales) are rich in both economic and cultural values. They grow into aquatic herbs, and are divided into two ecological types: tropical and hardy. Although tropical water lilies have more ornamental and medicinal values compared to the hardy water lily, the study and utilization of tropical water lilies in both landscaping and pharmaceutical use is greatly hindered due to their limited planting area.