Centipeda cunningharnii (DC.)A.Br. & Aschers (family Compositae) is a native perennial semi-erect herb growing to a height of 30 cm.I t occurs along the banks of dams and rivers, and in local depressions, in temperate regions of Australia.Growth and flowering take place in the warmer months as it is semi-dormant in winter.l,ZThe plant is often referred to as "common sneezeweed" and "scentweed" because of its sternutatory and aromatic properties respectively.Late last century, this species, then grouped with other members of the same genus as Myriogyne minuta, was noted for its ability to relieve ophthalmia3 and was used by aborigines as a medicinal plant .4Steam-distillation of the dried plant material collected near Barry, N.S.W., gave a low yield (0.2%) of a volatile oil.Examination of this material by infrared spectroscopy and gas-liquid chromatography indicated the presence of one major (45%) ester component, which could be isolated by fractional distillation.Analysis of the ester indicated the formula C,,H,,O,, while the spectral data suggested that it was an acetoxyl derivative of cc-pinene (1 ; X = Y = H) or
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Pinhey et al. (1971) studied this question.