Germacrene D, a common sesquiterpene in the genus Bursera (Burseraceae)

The volatile components of the leaves of five Bursera species, B. copallifera, B. exselsa, B. mirandae, B. ruticola and B. fagaroides var. purpusii were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Germacrene D was one of the predominant components (15.1-56.2%) of all of these species. Germacrene D has also been found in Other Bursera species and some species of Commiphora, the sister group of Bursera, suggesting that the production of germacrene D might be an ancient trait in the genus Bursera.