**7. Conclusions**

This overview of the endophytism of *L. theobromae* based on the literature published in the last three decades has pointed out its widespread occurrence in tropical and subtropical areas and the likeliness of further spread to regions with a temperate climate following the increasing trade of plant material. Hints concerning the biochemical properties are indicative of a certain degree of adaptation to the endophytic lifestyle, particularly deriving from the ability to synthesize bioactive products which may contribute to protection against biological adversities and improve plant fitness. However, the analysis of the available information also raises questions on whether the ability of *L. theobromae* to colonize such a high number of hosts is rather to be referred to as a fundamental pathogenic aptitude and whether a number of reports are actually referable to its interception during the latency phase of the disease cycle. Finding reasonable answers is clearly dependent on the analysis of additional data resulting from dedicated investigations in both natural and agricultural contexts.

**Author Contributions:** Conceptualization, R.N. and A.A.; writing—original draft preparation, M.M.S.; writing—review and editing, M.M.S., R.N. and A.A. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

**Funding:** This research received no external funding.

**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflict of interest.
