Abstract: The authors analyzed anthocyanins contained in the Senecio cruentus DC. flower with different colors. The cluster analysis made based on the content of anthocyanins in the different flower colors of S. cruentus. The floral color was measured by a spectrophotometer (NF333 ). A high performance liquid
chromatography with a photodiode array detector (HPLC - PAD) and HPLC - electrospray ionization - mass spectrometry (HPLC - ESI - MS) methods were employed for qualitative and quantitative analysis of anthocyanins and flavonols. The major anthocyanin and the relationship between the appearance and the content of anthocyanins are found through the cluster analysis. There is a linear negative correlation between the flower lightness and the total anthocyanins contained in flower petals. The blue and red flower colors of the S.cruentus decided by delphinidin (Dp) and cyanidin (Cy). The pink flowers contained the derivatives of cyanidin (Cy) and pelargonidin ( Pg). The purple flower contained the derivatives of delphinidin and cyanidin. The lighteness of flower has a negative correlation with the quantity of anthocyanins and the level of redness has a positive correlation with Cy-type anthocyanins contained in flower. The flower color of the S. cruentus is decided by the composition and quantity of the anthocyanins.

Key words: Senecio cruentus DC., flower color, anthocyanin