spiro-Mamakone A: A unique relative of the spirobisnaphthalene class of compounds

A spirobisnaphthalene derivative with a new spiro-nonadiene skeleton, spiro-mamakone A (1), has been isolated from the extract of a cultured nonsporulating fungal endophyte derived from the New Zealand native tree Knightia excelsa (rewarewa). The carbon skeleton of spiro-mamakone A represents a new structural entity and an intriguing addition to the structurally diverse spirobisnaphthalene group of compounds. spiro-Mamakone A is potently cytotoxic and is also antimicrobial.