A comparison between geographical distribution and secondary metabolites of 18 species ofAniba (Lauraceae) leads to a coherent picture of spatial and chemical evolution of these species. In chemical evolution, general mechanisms as blocking of reaction steps leading to primary metabolites and diversification of secondary metabolites within biogenetic groups are found to be operative. Sympatric distribution of closely related species seems to imply chemical diversity. The relation between size of distribution area and evolutionary status of individual species showsAniba to be an evolutionarily more recent, actively evolving genus.