The investigation of an extract of the aerial parts of Blainvillea rhomboidae afforded, in addition to known compounds, six further melampolides, two germacrolides and four guaianolides. HPLC analysis revealed that the compounds, except for one ethoxylated derivative, are natural constituents. They are sequestered by capitate glandular trichomes of the plant surface. The taxonomic relevance of the results is briefly discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.