Hydnoraceae

Rootless, leafless, fungus-looking plants that in southern Africa are parasitic on Euphorbia, Acacia and Albizia species. Two genera and seven species (Africa, Madagascar, Arabia, South and Central America) with one genus (Hydnora) and four species indigenous to southern Africa.

Aristolochiaceae

Eight genera and 480 species (on all continents), with one species (Aristolochia albida) indigenous to southern Africa. There is also one naturalised species in the region (Aristolochia elegans). An additional seven species cultivated in southern Africa

Piperaceae (pepper family)

Five genera and about 3600 species (pantropical), with two genera (Piper and Peperomia) and six species indigenous to southern Africa. There are an additional 12 species cultivated in the region, including Piper nigrum (Pepper).

Saururaceae

Five genera and six species (North America and east Asia). One species, Houttuynia cordata (Dokudami), originates from east Asia and is cultivated in southern Africa.