Epicuticular waxes were extracted with hexane from seed coats of 16 species from the genus Cistus (Cistaceae) in amounts corresponding to an average of 0.07% per dry weight. All cuticular waxes obtained from the various Cistus species consisted of hydrocarbons, wax esters, triterpenol esters, aldehydes, primary alcohols and free fatty acids. These compounds were present as homologues in changing patterns. In addition two unidentified acids and two unknown alcohols were found. Epicuticular waxes from seed coats differed qualitatively and quantitatively from those of Cistus leaves and petals and confirmed the existence of organ specific compositions of epicuticular waxes. The wax components secreted in this composition result in a cover which in scanning electron microscopic pictures resembles a smooth layer of solidified fluid lacking any crystalline structure.