The first total syntheses of the epimeric (±)-melicolones A and B, which are bioactive constituents isolated as racemates from the leaves of Melicope ptelefolia, were achieved in 12.3% combined overall yield. The divergent approach to these unusual natural products is remarkably concise and required a longest linear sequence of only nine steps (11 total steps) from commercially available starting materials. The significant synthetic challenge posed by the unique and densely functionalized polycyclic framework characteristic of the melicolones was addressed by a novel and highly regioselective (16:1) and diastereoselective (15:1) dipolar cycloaddition to deliver the oxabicycloheptane core. This pivotal reaction featured an innovative combination of an unsaturated vinylogous ester dipolarophile with a carbonyl ylide that was generated by an unusual cyclization of the carbonyl oxygen atom of an aliphatic aldehyde with a rhodium carbenoid. Stereoselective prenylation of the ketone enolate derived from this bicyclic core gave an intermediate that was processed via a one-pot O-demethylation cycloaldolization sequence to give the penultimate intermediate. The synthesis was completed by a bioinspired tandem epoxidation of the prenyl substituent followed by a regioselective, acid-catalyzed cyclization to deliver (±)-melicolones A and B. This approach may be applicable to the syntheses of other melicolones having a tetracyclic core.