The first compounds of the novel 8-phenylphenalenone type were isolated from roots and leaves of Eichhornia crassipes (Pontederiaceae). The structures were elucidated by spectrometric methods including 1D and 2D NMR analysis. The incorporation of two molecules of [1-13C]phenylalanine provides experimental evidence for the biosynthesis of the 8-phenylphenalenones. A biosynthetic pathway via diarylheptanoid and 9-phenylphenalenone intermediates, including a 1,2-aryl migration, is proposed.