Typhaceae (bullrush family)

One genus, Typha, and 8-13 species, with two species indigenous to southern Africa. Typha capensis is widespread whereas within southern Africa, Typha domingensis only occurs in Botswana.

Bromeliaceae (pineapple family)

About 46 genera and 2110 species, almost all of which are native to subtropical and tropical America. There is, however, one species indigenous to tropical West Africa. There are no species indigenous to southern Africa. The most familiar cultivated bromeliad is the Pineapple Ananas comosus. In southern Africa, 29 genera and 299 species have been recorded in cultivation, mainly as ornamental plants, probably the most familiar being the air plants which are epiphytic species in the genus Tillandsia.

Thurniaceae

Two genera and four species. Prionium serratum (Palmiet) is the only species in the genus and is endemic to South Africa. Thurnia is indigenous to the Guyana region of South America.

Juncaceae

Seven genera and 430 species (cosmopolitan), with two genera (Juncus and Luzula) and 18 species indigenous to southern Africa, five species naturalised, and an additional one species that is cultivated.

Cyperaceae (sedges)

About 98 genera and 4350 species, with 41 genera and 457 species indigenous to southern Africa. An additional eight species are naturalised and three species are recorded as being cultivated in the region.

Eriocaulaceae

A family of mainly aquatic plants containing 10 genera and 1160 species (pantropical, extending into temperate regions), with two genera and 13 species indigenous to southern Africa.

Xyridaceae

A family of aquatic plants containing five genera and about 260 species (pantropical to warm temperate), with one genus (Xyris) and seven species indigenous to southern Africa.

Restionaceae (restios)

There are 38 genera and about 520 species (Africa, Madagascar, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Chile in South America), with 19 genera and 332 species indigenous to southern Africa, occurring mainly in the fynbos.

Flagellariaceae

One genus and four species , with one species, Flagellaria guineensis, indigenous to southern Africa.

Poaceae (grasses)

There are 668 genera and 10035 species (worldwide), with 162 genera and 790 species indigenous to southern Africa. An additional 33 genera and 116 species are naturalised in the region. An additional 14 genera and 41 species have been recorded as being cultivated in southern Africa. The family includes numerous economically important species including wheat, maize and rice.