Targeted metabolite profiling provides a functional link among eucalypt taxonomy, physiology and evolution

Concentrations of a cyclohexanepentol 'd-quercitol' are found to be common among species of Eucalyptus naturally distributed below the 500 mm yr−1 rainfall isohyet. The occurrence of d-quercitol represents a quantitative yet discrete phytochemical link with taxonomy and evolution of the genus Eucalyptus.