Three rare naturally occurring flavonol 3-methyl ethers have been isolated from stems of Aframomum giganteum: kaempferol3,7,4'-trimethyl ether, quercetin 3,7,4'-trimethyl ether (ayanin) and quercetin 3,7,3',4'-tetramethyl ether (retusine). The following compounds have also been isolated: chrysophanol, physcion, 2,6dimethoxybetuoquinone and t%sitosterol. Phytochemical aspects of the flavonoids occurring in the Zingiberaceae are discussed.