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The sesqui- and diterpenoid chemistry of Copeland's Pteridaceae gives information useful for understanding the phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic affinities between pteridaceous ferns. Indalane-type sesquiterpenes, pterosins, are distributed widely among the Pteridaceae, but the distribution is limited to this family. This fact shows the phylogenetic homogeneity of Copeland's Pteridaceae. Z-type pterosins (C 15 ) occur more commonly than B-type (C 14 ) pterosins in the primitive ferns and B-type pterosins are more common in the advanced ferns. Various ent -kaurane type diterpenes occur mainly in the Pteris and related genera. Among them are 2 β -hydroxy- ent -kauranes, which are characteristic of advanced members of the genus Pteris and ent -kauran-19-oic acids which are characteristic of primitive members of the genus. The relationship between chemistry and the groupings of Pteris on the basis of frond shapes is discussed. Chemotaxonomy of Monachosorum and Plagiogyria is also described

From the fronds of Plagiogyria euphlebia (KUNZE) METT. 4-O-p-coumaroyl-D-glucose and its related compound, plagiogyrin A were isolated. The structural formula II has been assigned to plagiogyrin A by chemical and spectroscopic analysis. The absolute stereochemistry has been determined at C-5 by the application of modified Horeau's method.