Abstract: Iridoids are monoterpenes that are produced by various plants as chemical defense molecules. Lichman et al. recently described the timeline of molecular events that underpin the re-emergence of iridoid biosynthesis in an independent lineage of aromatic plants (catnip). This study represents a benchmark for studying enzyme and metabolite evolution in different clades across the tree of life. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd
Keywords: enzyme evolution; iridoids; Lamiaceae; nepetalactone; plant metabolites