Aizoaceae

(= Mesembryanthemaceae; vygies)

Worldwide there are about 1854 species in 135 genera in the family Aizoaceae, and 96% of these species are found in southern Africa (1782 species in 132 genera in southern Africa). The vast majority of species are succulents, falling in the previously recognised family Mesembryanthemaceae and loosely termed mesems. In the classification below,  this family is relegated to 2 subfamilies under the Aizoaceae: the Mesembryanthemoideae and the Ruschioideae.  The remaining subfamilies (Aizooideae,  Sesuvioideae and Tetragonioideae) fall under Aizoaceae in its strict sense. 

Amaranthaceae (sugarbeet, spinach family)

About 174 genera and 2050 species (cosmopolitan) of which 38 genera and 235 species are indigenous or naturalised in southern Africa.

Basellaceae

There are four genera and about 20 species (mainly tropical and subtropical South America but also in Africa and Asia) of which one genus with one species is indigenous in southern Africa and one genus with one species is naturalised in this region.

Cactaceae (cacti)

About 100 genera and 1500 species (mainly arid tropical America but also Old World), with one genus and one species (Rhipsalis baccifera) indigenous in southern Africa and six genera and 18 species naturalised in this region, some of which are serious invaders.  There are also many other species that are cultivated in gardens and indoors in southern Africa.

Caryophyllaceae (carnation family)

About 80 genera and 2200 species (cosmopolitan but mainly north temperate regions, especially Mediterranean and Irano-Turanean region), of which 11 genera (54 species) are indigenous and 11 genera (18 species) naturalised in southern Africa.

Droseraceae (sundew and Venus' fly trap family)

Four genera and about 100 species (cosmopolitan), of which two genera and 21 species are indigenous in southern Africa.

Frankeniaceae

Two genera and 81 species (most continents but patchily distributed), with one genus (Frankenia) and three species indigenous in southern Africa.

Limeaceae

Two genera and 23 species (Africa, S Asia and Australia), with one genus (Limeum) and 18 species in southern Africa. Members of this family were previously placed in the Molluginaceae.

Lophiocarpaceae

Two genera and six species (Africa), with one genus (Corbichonia) and  two species indigenous in southern Africa. Members of this family were previously placed in the Molluginaceae.

Molluginaceae

About 12 genera and 91 species (tropics and subtropics, mainly in southern Africa), with nine genera and 70 species indigenous in southern Africa.

Nepenthaceae (pitcher plants)

One genus and about 90 species. Insectivorous plants that are native to Madagascar, SE Asia and northern Australia. There are no indigenous species in southern Africa but a number of species are cultivated (Glen 2002).

Nyctaginaceae (Bougainvillea family)

About 30 genera and 390 species (warm regions, mainly Americas), of which four genera (plus one naturalised) and 18 species (plus two naturalised) are indigenous in southern Africa. In addition, there are a number of cultivated genera, of which Bougainvillea is the most conspicuous and well known.

Phytolaccaceae

Seventeen genera and about 70 species (mainly neotropical, also Old World and temperate regions), of which three genera (plus one naturalised) and nine species (plus one naturalised)

Plumbaginaceae (Plumbago family)

About 27 genera and 650 species (cosmopolitan), of which four genera and 24 species are indigenous in southern Africa.

Polygonaceae (rhubarb family)

There are about 1100 species in 43 genera, occurring worldwide, with 56 species (10 exotic) and 8 genera (3 exotic) in southern Africa.

Portulacaceae

There are about 30 genera and 450 species worldwide, of which seven genera and 46 species are found in southern Africa. The family is found mainly in the southern Hemisphere but also has a natural distribution extending into North America and Eurasia. 

Tamaricaceae (tamarisks)

Four genera and about 75 species (Old World, mainly Northern Hemisphere), of which one genus occurs in southern Africa with one species indigenous and two naturalised.