Abstract The hydrodistilled essential oil from Xylopia brasiliensis Spreng. (Annonaceae) leaves was analyzed by capillary GC and GC/MS. Thirteen compounds were identified, representing 100% of the volatiles, among which 55% were monoterpenes and 45% sesquiterpenes. The major components were found to be spathulenol (40.8%), verbenone (11.1%) and 1,8-cineole (11.1%).