diff --git a/tests/hghave.py b/tests/hghave.py
--- a/tests/hghave.py
+++ b/tests/hghave.py
@@ -376,3 +376,7 @@ def has_absimport():
 @check("py3k", "running with Python 3.x")
 def has_py3k():
     return 3 == sys.version_info[0]
+
+@check("pure", "running with pure Python code")
+def has_pure():
+    return os.environ.get("HGTEST_RUN_TESTS_PURE") == "--pure"
diff --git a/tests/test-parseindex.t b/tests/test-parseindex.t
--- a/tests/test-parseindex.t
+++ b/tests/test-parseindex.t
@@ -62,6 +62,8 @@ We approximate that by reducing the read
 
 Test corrupted p1/p2 fields that could cause SEGV at parsers.c:
 
+#if no-pure
+
   $ mkdir invalidparent
   $ cd invalidparent
 
@@ -118,3 +120,5 @@ Test corrupted p1/p2 fields that could c
   find_deepest: parent out of range
 
   $ cd ..
+
+#endif