Icaves of Cvpressus torulosa and C. xmprrvirens have ban found IO contain a new member of the biflavonyl group of natural colouring matten now named "cuprrsuflavonc". On the basis of wlow nxctions, UV. IR, NMR spectral data and degradation, its structure has ban dcduaxi as 8,8'-biapigeninyl and wntinncd by comparison of the compound and its derivatives with synthetic samples. THE genus Cupressur (Cupressaceae) consists of twelve species distributed in North America, the Mediterranean regions and subtropical Asia at high altitudes. Five of them have been reported in India' viz. C. ~orulosu, C. sempervirens, C. fwebris, C. lusiranica (C. @uca) and C. macrocarpa. C. carhmeriana has been considered to be only a form of C. torulosa. The Cupressaceae have been extensively investigated from taxonomical as well as commercial points of view, particularly because the heartwoods of these trees have good decay-resistant and insect-repellant properties. After the discovery that bifIavony1 pigments arc widely distributed in the leaves of the gymnosperms, U the leaves of a number of Cupressaaae were examined and hinokiflavont (I) was found in C./iebris and C. arkonica.' The object of the present investigation was a detailed study of the distribution of bitlavonyls in Indian Cupressaaae (and also other conifersp*O and the results obtained with the leaves of C. torulosa and C. sempenv'rens are reported now.
Cupressus ronrlosa (Himalayan Cypress) is indigenous to India. The tall trtes yield the most durable coniferous wood in India; it requires no antiseptic treatment and is extensively used. * AhIuwalia and !3eshadrP" reported the presence of nootkatin in the heartwood and later studies revealed of a number of terpenes and tropolone