The distribution of seven anthraquinones in the roots of some 46 species belonging to the generaAsphodelus, Asphodeline, Bulbine, Bulbinella and Kniphofia was studied by TLC and HPLC. 1,8-Dihydroxyanthraquinones based on a chrysophanol unit are the main constituents of the subterranean metabolism in the subfamily Asphodeloideae. The genera Bulbine, Bulbinella and Kniphofia elaborate knipholone-type compounds. These compounds appear to be characteristic constituents for the three genera Bulbine, Bulbinella and Kniphofia and support the idea that Kniphofia is not related to the Alooideae.