Secondary metabolites and systematic arrangement within the Xylariaceae

Abstract

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 grouped as dihydroisocoumarins, punctaporonins, cytochalasins, butyrolactones and succinic acid derivatives. The distribution of these and other chemicals identified has been used in conjunction with traditional taxonomic characters in an attempt to develop a better understanding of natural relationships within the family. Chemical data obtained to date indicates that there are at least two major divisions within the family. 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 these data and how they relate to current taxonomic views about the Xylariaceae is critically reviewed. Key words: Xylariaceae, chemotaxonomy, fungal secondary metabolites.