Targeted metabolite profiling provides a functional link among eucalypt taxonomy, physiology and evolution.
Adaptation to aridity is considered a major factor in the evolution of the genus Eucalyptus. For the first time, targeted metabolite profiling has uncovered a quantitative yet discrete phytochemical link with eucalypt taxonomy. The distribution of cyclitols among Eucalyptus species, and a range of other Australian tree genera, support their proposed functions in plant tissues and provide putative links with the acclimation of trees to arid environments.
Merchant
Andrew
A
Institute of Land and Food Resource, School of Forest Ecosystem Science, The University of Melbourne, Water Street, Creswick, Vic. 3363, Australia. amerc@unimelb.edu.au
Richter
Andreas
A
Popp
Marianne
M
Adams
Mark
M
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000383:Agriculture; D005075:Biological Evolution; D005052:Eucalyptus / Q000145:classification* / Q000502:physiology; D016468:Forestry; D007294:Inositol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000378:metabolism; D010802:Phylogeny; D013045:Species Specificity
D007294:Inositol