Two new ester alkaloids, desmethoxyabresoline and 10-epi-desmethoxyabresoline, have been isolated from young seedlings of Heimia salicifolia and have been synthesized. Chemical and physical properties of the natural and synthetic isomers are in agreement. The presence of these alkaloids adds support to the postulate that the biphenyl system of the lythraceous alkaloids is derived from trans-cinnamate esters of phenylquinolizidinols. © 1978.