The isolation and structure elucidation of a novel dimeric alkaloid, griffithine, from the leafy shoots of Sophora griffithii Stock (Papilionaceae) is described. The alkaloid possesses a 12‐membered ring system formed by the linking of C‐10 and C‐10′ of the alkaloid with the N‐1 and N‐1′ atoms, respectively. The structure was established on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR studies. The relative stereochemistry at the chiral centres was determined by NOE difference experiments. 10‐Oxosparteine was isolated for the first time from the leafy shoots of Sophora griffithii. Copyright © 1991 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.