Alkaloids of the rutaceae: their distribution and systematic significance

The biosynthesis of the alkaloids of the Rutaceae and its relevance to their systematic value is discussed. The alkaloids are divided into groups of potential systematic significance and their distribution reviewed and analysed with respect to presently accepted taxonomic classifications for the family. It is shown that, from the alkaloid data available, Engler's classification of the major sub-families Rutoideae and Toddalioideae is untenable. An hypothesis for the phylogeny of the Rutales, based on the distribution of alkaloids and other secondary metabolites, is proposed.