SECONDARY METABOLITES AND SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT WITHIN THE XYLARIACEAE

The Xylariaceae is a large family (Xylariales, Ascomycotina) of 36 or more genera. Secondary metabolites produced by representatives from at least one third of these genera have now been isolated and identified . The major compounds, which are produced in static culture, can be gr ouped as dihydroisocoumarins, punctaporonins, cytochalasins, butyrolac tones and succinic acid derivatives. The distribution of these and oth er chemicals identified has been used in conjunction with traditional taxonomic characters in an attempt to develop a better understanding o f natural relationships within the family. Chemical data obtained to d ate indicates that there are at least two major divisions within the f amily. It also provides additional evidence in support of a number of intergeneric associations. Individual species can often be recognised on the basis of exclusive metabolite profiles. The significance of the se data and how they relate to current taxonomic views about the Xylar iaceae is critically reviewed.