Abstract: Abstract The genus Cathaya discovered in Kwangsi, Sichuan, Hunan and Guizhou is endemic in China. Only one species (C. argyrophylla Chun et Kuang) has so far been known in the genus. The question on it’s systematic position in the family Pinaceae has been much debated. However, according to some taxonomists and morphologists, this genus is related to genera Pinus, Picea and Pseudotsuga of the Pinaceae. No phytochemical data, especially of serratene components on Cathaya have been recorded. This paper deals with the systematic position of Cathaya in Pinaceae based on seven known components of serratene family which are isolated from the trunk of Cathaya argyrophyua growing in Sichuan. A comparative study on serratene components of Cathaya with other genera ofPinaceae showed that Cathaya is related to genera Pinus and Picea.