Abstract: Abstract We have analysed diterpene quinone constituents of 79 species (containing variety and form) in the genus Salvia by different chemical methods, and found that 38 species of them contain diterpene quinone on this ground, as well as its morphologic, histological structure of root and geographical distribution, we come to a conclusion as follows: l. According to literatural and our analytical date, so far the diterpene quinone have mainly been found in the Labiatae plants that possess the fertile stamen 2 versatile namely in Salvia Linn., upon which a new subfamily Salvioideae is preliminarily proposed here. 2. Deterpene quinone, as a chemotaxonomic charater, is of phylogenetic significance and can be used for identifying the spicies of the genus. 3. A further rearrangement of some species of some series and sections in attribu-tion is needed.