Through a combination of spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, MS, 1H and 13C NMR) it has been possible to deduce the plane structure and the relative configuration of strychnochromine, a dextrorotatory alkaloid, isolated from the root bark of Strychnos gossweileri. The alkaloid is 4a-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-oxo-1,2,2a,3,4,4a,5,10,11,12a-decahydropyrrolizino-[1,7-cd]-carbazol. © 1988.